Pagosa Medical Center receives $100,000 donation from Jicarilla Apache Nation

Photo courtesy Pagosa Springs Medical Center
The Jicarilla Apache Nation Legislative Council presents a check for $100,000 to Pagosa Springs Medical Center on July 21. The generous gift will go toward the campaign to expand primary care at the medical center, moving the hospital closer to the last $1 million of its $12 million goal. From left to right are Martin Perea Jr., William Muniz, Brad Cochennet, Dennis Wilson, Leon K. Reval, Bill Vicenti Sr., Adrian Notsinneh, Wainwright Velarde and Lilian Veneo in the back.

By Casey Crow

Staff Writer

Last week, the Upper San Juan Health Service District (USJHSD) received a check for $100,000 from the Jicarilla Apache Nation’s Legislative Council.

The generous gift was given without restriction, and according to hospital CEO Brad Cochennet, the Tribal Council is looking for a long-term partnership with the USJHSD.

The relationship between the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Pagosa Springs Medical Center has developed over the last three years. It began when the USJHSD was considering a school-based clinic in Pagosa Springs, and traveled to Dulce, N.M. — the headquarters of the Jicarilla Apache Nation — to observe the existing school-based clinic operating there.

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