In 1971, Terry Reilly, an Idaho native, community activist and conscientious objector in the Vietnam War era, and his wife Rosie Delgadillo Reilly arranged with Dr. Clarence McIntyre for voluntary medical services for the migrant farmworkers’ children who were being tutored at their home in Nampa, Idaho. The launching of the part-time clinic in their home helped to open the eyes of many local, regional, and national leaders to the plight of the large medically underserved population in Southwestern Idaho. Federal Public Health Services grant resources and strong local advocacy enabled launching the clinic under the name Community Health Clinics, Inc., as a not-for-profit corporation, operated out of a repurposed grocery store building, down the street from Terry & Rosie’s home. In 1972, Terry Reilly recruited Dr. Bob LeBow, who would serve as a compassionate champion of the underserved as our Medical Director for nearly thirty-years.
With a focus on serving low-income and uninsured farm workers as well as other “medically indigent” of all ages, the organization grew quickly. In addition to Nampa, clinics were started in Homedale (1972), Parma (1972), and Marsing (1980), Idaho. The corporation was (and still is) governed by a representative group of clinic patients and other community leaders who have assured that the mission of serving the underserved remains as a central purpose.
Under Terry’s leadership, advocacy and program development were strong themes. Among the more notable accomplishments from those efforts was the SANE SOLUTIONS Program, which provides counseling for both the victims and offenders of sexual abuse. Several federal grants began our involvement in teen pregnancy, both its prevention and care of pregnant teens. Following the tragic death of our founder in an April 1986 small plane crash while campaigning to become Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor, the clinic system adopted the name of Terry Reilly Health Services.
Under the leadership of Dr. Erwin ‘Ern’ Teuber, who accepted the position of Executive Director in late 1986, the Parma Clinic was sold and the Boise Clinic opened in 1988, targeting the homeless population. During the early 1990s dental and behavioral health services were started. Our Boise dental site opened in 2000. The Melba Clinic, serving a small farming community, opened during the summer of 2002. Both the Melba Dental and Homedale Dental clinics opened in 2003. Our Caldwell Clinic began providing primary medical care in September 2006 thanks to the donation of the clinic building by local physicians, Drs. Bob Ring and Richard Roberge and start-up operational funding was provided by the State of Idaho. Dr. LeBow, Medical Director, author and national healthcare reform advocate, passed away in 2003 as a result of complications following a bicycling accident. Today, Terry Reilly Health Services staff organizes fundraisers, to raise funds for our “Patient Assistance Program,” which covers the cost of medical care for our most indigent patients fulfilling a long held dream of Dr. LeBow. Dr. Teuber, after many significant accomplishments retired in March of 2009 following twenty-three years of service to Terry Reilly Health Services and Southwest Idaho to pursue other adventures in healthcare and consulting.
We have always emphasized health promotion and disease prevention activities within our clinics and through outreach services. The community-based board and input from additional community representatives in the form of advisory committees remains a pivotal force in strengthening our effectiveness and keeping on track with our mission.
Funding sources have diversified greatly, with increased reliance on United Way of the Treasure Valley, Community Development Block Grant sources, local, regional, and national foundations, corporate and individual donations.
Terry Reilly Health Services can proudly claim to be one of the country’s strongest, most comprehensive, most mission-driven community health centers. The vast majority of our patients would encounter great difficulties getting the care they need, were it not for the access they enjoy at our clinics. Today, we provide comprehensive care to more than 36,500 patients, nearly 95% of whom live at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and 58% of whom are uninsured. Thanks to all who have made this healing touch possible. To learn more visit www.trhs.org.
