Columbia River Health Reopens Following Water Leak Repairs

Columbia River Health is open to the public once again following a month of repairs due to several frozen pipes that led to water leaks earlier in the year.

While undergoing a several-month-long renovation project, the clinic suffered major water damage after a frozen pipe burst on January 15th. Although the water damage put a halt in practitioners seeing patients for in person encounters for over a month, CRH was able to begin seeing patients by January 22nd of the next week for telemedicine encounters while the repairs were underway. 

On Feb. 27th, the clinic reopened to the public and the staff were excited to see patients in person.

“So far, it’s gone really well,” administrative assistant Karina Caldera said. “All of our employees have done a great job. They are re-directing patients through the clinic and using the newly remodeled exam rooms that were completed at the end of last year. We are lucky to have received the support of several businesses during this time.”

CRH would like to thank everyone who offered their support during the temporary closure. Boardman Fire Department leased space in their old Fire Station so the clinic could operate. CRH was able to have reception, referrals, patient outreach and clinical staff work remotely from the old Fire Station.

“That was a huge help in us being able to continue to see patients by telemedicine while the building was physically shut down,” Caldera said.

A note of appreciation is also extended to all the City of Boardman, Boardman Chamber, Boardman Fire Department, Pioneer Group Telecommunications/ Butler America, MacDonald Miller, Merryman Plumbing, Wick’s Construction, and Dynamic Computer Consulting for all their hard work in getting the CRH up and running again. 

Construction crews have been able to begin work on the repairs caused by the water damage as well as resume the clinic renovation project. The renovation started in September in an attempt to improve the clinic and allow for more patients to be seen by converting existing admin offices into exam rooms. CRH was able to open these rooms earlier than expected and be used immediately to see patients while the damaged exam rooms are being repaired in the clinic. This is the first big construction project the clinic has taken on since moving into the building 12 years ago. CRH is proud to have served Boardman and the surrounding communities for 19 years. 

Columbia River Health is the only Primary Care Clinic in Boardman.

“I think it’s a great resource,” Caldera said. “Columbia River Health sees patients of all age groups and is able to provide healthcare in town and to help the local community.”

Staff at the clinic have noticed that even people from out of town will travel and see their providers because of the relationship they have built with the community.

“We’re just excited to hopefully be fully operational later this year with some more construction being completed, and look forward to still being involved in the community,” Caldera said.