Harney County residents now have another option when seeking primary health care.

The staff at High Country Health and Wellness Center, located in the same building as the Harney County Health Department, includes Director and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Jolene Cawlfield, Family Physician/Medical Director/Public Health Officer Sarah Laiosa, and FNP Barbara Rothgeb.

There is also a community health worker that can coordinate care for the primary care patients in a number of areas, including transportation, referrals, and setting up medicine boxes. Assistance to get signed up for the Oregon Health Plan is also available.

Laiosa and Rothgeb are available to see patients of all ages and provide them with primary care services with the exception of obstetrical care, and the center accepts all insurances. Laiosa also has a special interest in obesity medicine and is on the process of getting her board certificate.

To get better acquainted with the public, the center and health department, located at 420 North Fairview in Burns, will be having an open house from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 3. There will be door prizes, a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to a local merchant (winner’s choice), tours of the facility, a chance to meet the staff, and cake, punch, and coffee.

While the Public Health Department typically served the under-insured and under-served, the center offers services to all.

“The health department dove-tailed well with the primary health care services,” Cawlfield said. “We are open to serve everyone in a family-friendly environment.”

By visiting, people can get help signing up for insurance, the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) nutrition program, immunizations, well-child checks, and other services.

With the expansion of the center inside the health department, residents have another choice for medical services, and the model is one that has been adopted all over the state.

The High Country Health & Wellness Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Same day appointments are available, and walk-ins are welcome. The health department is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.