
Coast Community Health Center, a federally funded nonprofit that operates clinics and other services to serve low-income people and students south of Coos Bay, has issued an announcement that it will shut down entirely in four weeks time, sparking concerns and questions among patients, providers and business partners.
The nonprofit reportedly intends to sell off its assets, and its closure appears to have caught many by surprise. Over the last two months staff members have posted cheery messages on social media, including about brand-new staff hires.
The news is a “tragedy” and a “crisis,” said Mike Shirtcliff, who is a partner in a group of dentists operating Equity Dental, which leased space in a building owned by the health center in Brookings as part of a state and federally funded project to address lack of providers and access for low-income Oregonians.
“It’s a really big deal,” added Shirtcliff, a former board member of The Lund Report. “You’ve got a whole bunch of people that have to find another place to get care.”
The nonprofit’s clinics provide primary care and mental health services to a large population of Medicare and Medicaid patients in Coos and Curry counties regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to filling gaps in dental care, and operating clinics and school-based health centers, the nonprofit operates a much-needed pharmacy in Port Orford. Many patients would not be able to afford health care without the center’s work, according to people knowledgeable about the situation.
The center was one of 34 federally funded safety net clinics. It remains to be seen if other members of the coalition could step in and take over operations. Representatives of the Oregon Primary Care Association told The Lund Report they were unable to immediately discuss the situation.
Contacted by The Lund Report, Anne Goddard, who chairs the nonprofit’s board, said she had been advised to not discuss the situation. She instead referred questions to Kendra Newbold, the center’s executive director, who did not respond to messages. Lawyers connected to the nonprofit also did not respond.
The health center shared the news on Jan. 15 on its Facebook page, saying it did so with a “heavy heart” and that its facilities would close effective Feb. 15.
It did not provide an explanation. However, last year current and former providers described the center as in a downward spiral after its board's firing of popular longtime CEO Linda Maxon.
Two whistleblower lawsuits accused the center of mismanagement and retaliation, causing a provider exodus that cut deeply into revenue. In late 2023, a lawyer for the center's former medical director, Hank Holmes, warned board members that the center was in “serious jeopardy.”
In the wake of the news, rumors are circulating that management was counting on a federal grant application that did not come through.
“We understand the impact this may have, and we want to ensure a smooth transition for all affected. It is our goal to collaborate with our fellow partners in healthcare across the region to help reestablish care in the communities we have served. We will provide updates as Coast's closure progresses, and more details become available.”
Patients seeking copies of their medical records can call the center at 541-347-2529 by Feb. 15, according to the post, which added that patients will receive information on how to access other services.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our dedicated healthcare providers, staff, and patients,” said the post. It was unsigned and comments were turned off.