By Don Stubbings, Director of Associates
The greatest advancement in affordable healthcare is not found in the carefully crafted mission statements of large healthcare networks or in the empty promises of politicians. It is found instead thriving in Grand Junction, Colorado. That was my thought when I visited the PrimeHealth+ clinic in the summer of 2025. On that visit, Kristy Schmidt, SCLA, gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of the brand-new health clinic, formerly known as Marillac Clinic. I told Kristy that day, “The Sisters must see this in person.” A year later, I headed west on I-70 from Denver with Sisters Maureen Hall, Judith Jackson, and Barbara Aldrich, all of whom made a lasting impact in Grand Junction.
Along the four-hour drive, the Sisters shared memories of their time at Marillac Clinic and SCL Health at St. Mary’s Hospital. I listened quietly as they recounted milestones, challenges, and meaningful moments from their years of service. As we crossed the mountains and the Continental Divide, the stunning Colorado scenery unfolded around us. The eastern slope, stretching from Glenwood Springs through Vail and neighboring towns, offered views of towering, snow-capped, pine-covered peaks. Gradually, the landscape transformed as we descended onto the western slope, where the red rock formations and expansive canyons guided our ride into Grand Junction. We arrived in the early evening and had a wonderful meal to nourish us for the busy next day.
The Sisters knew the outline of the day ahead: a 9:00 a.m. meet-and-greet at PrimeHealth+, a tour at 10:00, and several activities to follow. What they did not know was the surprise that SCL Associates Tish Starbuck, Kristy Schmidt, Gretchen Gore, and I had carefully guarded: a gathering of friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives had been touched by their ministry in Grand Junction.
When we arrived at the clinic, we were greeted by Kristy, Tish, and the Clinic’s CEO Kay Ramachandran. We were first treated to a wonderful presentation by the clinic’s staff, who shared the achievements and challenges they face regarding federal funding and other areas of need. As stated earlier, many organizations have complex mission statements. PrimeHealth+ gathered ideas from all involved, and their mission statement is simple: “Together, we provide exceptional healthcare to all,” and by all, they stand true, serving over 14,000 individuals and over 50,000 visits to the clinics.
On the tour of the clinic, one thing was clear: the dignity of the patient was at the forefront of the design. From the first-class check-in to the open, vibrant rooms, patient-first healthcare is evident as you walk through the door. This clinic is unique in ways that set it apart from others. Primary care, mental health services, dental services, and a pharmacy all under one roof.
As the tour completed, we made our way to the naturally lit lobby of the clinic, already filled with more than one hundred guests. Former physicians, board members, SCL Associates, staff members, and many familiar faces had come together to welcome the Sisters and honor their years of service. The room was alive with anticipation and gratitude, a testament to the enduring relationships forged through years of mission-driven care for the community.
A heartfelt introduction by Kay and a wonderful opening reflection by Tish, then one by one, the Sisters shared reflections on their time in Grand Junction. Their memories were not focused on accomplishments or recognition, but on the people they had encountered along the way, the patients, families, and community members who had become family. They spoke with gratitude for the unwavering dedication of physicians, nurses, dentists, administrators, and countless staff members who made every patient encounter a moment of dignity, compassion, and hope. Their words shared a belief that every person is worthy of care and respect.
As I looked around the room, I could see that this gathering was more than a reunion. It was a celebration of a shared mission and a living reminder of how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The stories, smiles, hugs, and witness to a legacy of healing for all that continues to bless the Grand Junction community today.
Our day was not over; it was time to visit St. Mary’s Hospital, another secret held close by Gretchen Gore, SCLA! Gretchen guided us on a new legacy wall tour and a surprise reception with current and former staff who remain grateful for the Sister’s presence in the healthcare system. The Sisters spent meaningful time catching up with each person in the room. It was a special event for all who attended. As our day came to a close, our hearts were filled with gratitude to all who were part of this special day.
Our return trip was filled with joy, reminiscing about all the people we connected with, more stories from the past, and a sense of confidence in the future. Now, from the western slope, we start with a new canvas, west to east. Vineyards to the south as we traveled west out of Grand Junction, the canyon reflections along the Colorado River as we made the eastbound drive to Denver to catch our 4:00 p.m. flight. The reverse beauty is stunning; soon we were back in the snow-capped mountains with stops along the way to take a few photos and stretch our legs along the now clear Colorado River and again at the peak of the Vail Pass, then onto Denver, where we had a smooth flight back to Kansas City.
This trip was special in so many ways to so many people; it was part reunion, part renewal, and full of the Charism that guided us along the way. Grand Junction’s seeds were planted in 1898, and the roots of those trees are strong! The mission in the valley is alive and well, guided by the Spirit; the Sisters’ legacy is in good hands!
