El Rio Health is pleased to announce that we will begin operations in place of North Country HealthCare effective April 1, 2026, under the El Rio Health umbrella, using the name Elk Ridge Community Health. This transition follows North Country HealthCare’s recent bankruptcy filing and the subsequent agreement for El Rio Health to purchase certain assets of the organization. By assuring continued healthcare coverage in northern Arizona, El Rio Health is ensuring continued access to primary care services for patients, and stability for more than 400 employees in the region.
“While there are many important details to address over the coming months, our priority remains providing a clear and stable path forward for North Country’s staff and patients. We recognize that exceptional patient care begins with exceptional staff.” said Clinton Kuntz, President & CEO of El Rio Health.
Beginning April 1, all North Country HealthCare locations will transition to operation under the newly adopted name Elk Ridge Community Health, a Division of El Rio Health.
El Rio Health is pleased to announce the arrival of David Rogers, MBA, as the on-site executive leader for Elk Ridge Community Health. David has over 40 years of experience in healthcare, 20 of those years as CEO at another Federally Qualified Health Center. David is excited about building strong relationships with key agencies and community leaders to improve access to primary care, which ultimately will lead to improved healthcare outcomes.
“We are eagerly anticipating the continuation of our working relationship with El Rio here in northern Arizona, as Elk Ridge Community Health,” said Dave Cheney, Northern Arizona Healthcare President and CEO. “We’re excited to welcome and embrace the extensive expertise that they’ve displayed when providing community health center services, and to support the stability they will bring patients and providers throughout the region.”
El Rio Health is currently assessing staffing needs at each health center and aims to fill previously vacated positions as quickly as possible to minimize any potential gaps in care for patients and the communities served.
“The NARBHA Institute has been pleased to work with El Rio and Northern Arizona Healthcare to support the continuity of health services across northern Arizona, and we sincerely look forward to expanding our partnership with El Rio in the future.” Said Mary Jo Gregory, President and CEO of the NARBHA Institute
Further information will be shared as we move through the next phases of this transition.
About El Rio Health:
El Rio Health is one of Arizona’s largest community health systems and a nationally recognized Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve, as our mission and vision are core to everything we do:
- Mission: Improving the health of our community through comprehensive, accessible, affordable, quality and compassionate care.
- Vision: To be a national model of excellent healthcare.
Founded in 1970 by neighborhood leaders, clinicians, and community advocates, El Rio has grown into a robust, multisite system serving patients across southern Arizona. Today, we provide care at health center locations throughout Pima County, supported by nearly 2,000 employees, delivering integrated services that include primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, care coordination, and specialty programs.
El Rio Health is committed to removing barriers to care, whatever those barriers may be. We accept nearly all insurance plans, welcome patients regardless of ability to pay, and offer a sliding-fee discount for self-pay patients. Guided by a long-term strategic vision, El Rio emphasizes patient-driven care, operational excellence, financial sustainability, and workforce development to meet evolving community needs.
With deep roots in Arizona and partnerships at the local, state, and national levels, El Rio Health remains committed to being a trusted anchor institution and a driver of community well-being—today and for generations to come.