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By Mila Besich-Lira
In the early 80’s, when the Magma Mine closed the community of Superior experienced many difficult changes. Not only did many people lose their jobs and move away but those residents who stayed in the area lost access to many services that they were accustomed too.
One of those services was hospital and clinic services. When the mine shut down so did the Magma Hospital and soon after that clinic services were also reduced then closed.
Community leaders understood that the economic health of Superior would be determined on having adequate health care for residents. Without access to quality health care, it would be difficult to attract new residents or businesses. There was always a hope that a hospital or clinic would open in Superior and give residents and business owners some healthcare options.
While the Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center board was researching expansion and land options in Superior, America was experiencing a major recession, one that caused many major American car manufacturers to close dealerships. This recession caused Chrysler to close the Arnold Motor Sales Chrysler dealership in Superior.
There is a saying “When one door closes another door opens.” This was the case for the Arnold family. While they were closing their dealership and making decisions on what to do, next they decided to sell their property on the highway to the CVRMC.
Construction for the new clinic began in April of 2011. Last week clinic officials, community leaders and local residents celebrated this milestone with a grand opening celebration.
Those in attendance were treated to snacks made by the dietary department of the hospital and tours of the clinic by the staff. Children in attendance were given a special interactive tour of the clinic by Superior High School students attending the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology health care programs.
After the tour, the children were given special goody bag and a door prize opportunity to win $200 for their classroom. The winner of the door prize was Vanessa Contreras a fifth grade teacher at John F. Kennedy elementary school.
The clinic features three wings that will allow more providers to serve Superior and in the future, they hope to have a full service pharmacy service and radiology department.
Currently prescriptions can be filled through the hospital in Globe and the prescriptions are delivered to Superior in the afternoon. They also will be offering physical therapy services at the clinic in the coming weeks and a surgeon will be servicing the clinic.
The clinic is open Mon. through Wed. from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fri. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To make an appointment at the clinic, submit a prescription or find out more about the clinic you call 520-689-2423.
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