Story Highlights

Originally published: July 2026​​​​

After Alpine County's nurse practitioner (NP) retired in 2025, many residents didn't have access to healthcare. Patients who depended on routine services no longer had a place to go close to home. Most people travel to Gardnerville in Nevada or El Dorado County for basic medical needs. The loss of the NP created a gap in care that continued to widen over time.

Health Clinic Opens New Location 

That all changed when the Mariposa Alpine Amador Calaveras Tuolumne Health Board (MACT) Clinic opened in May of 2026. Future of Public Health (FoPH) had funded the county's NP position. When she retired, the county was able to use FoPH funds to support the MACT clinic. It now helps expand access to health care. People are now returning and re-establishing care closer to home.   

The onsite nurse shared, “as we welcome patients in these early days of reopening, we've had more time to get to know the patients. We can provide individualized care." 

From the beginning, the clinic has focused on continuity of care. That means patients can get the same treatment, even if their provider changes. MACT staff have access to patients' previous records. They have an updated Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and work together with Alpine County Public Health. Public health continues to:

• Gives immunizations
• Helps run the clinic
• Shares the lab space
• Pay the utilities

A Cultural Understanding

The MACT Health Clinic's mission roots in serving American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Its doors are open to all Alpine County residents, regardless of age or insurance. About 30% of the people in Alpine County are from the Washoe Tribe. The staff themselves reinforce this commitment, with many who identify as American Indian or Alaskan Native. During onboarding, staff watch a video on the history of American Indians in California. The staff's cultural connection creates a sense of familiarity and lineage that patients feel the moment they walk in. Even though the clinic is new, they're able to offer a range of services including:

• Urgent care needs
• Blood pressure checks
• Telehealth services
• General medical care
• Pre-employment exams
• DMV physicals
• Health screenings for all ages
• Nutrition counseling
• Lab work
• Help to quit smoking
• Diabetes prevention and care
• Prescriptions filled in house

The clinic also offers medication support, filling most prescriptions onsite. Patients must fill out a form before receiving controlled substances. This helps restore patient care for people whose gaps in care have left them without treatment.

"Access to primary care in rural counties is serious and a growing concern. MACTs partnership with Alpine County allows us to close this gap. We can now achieve one of the goals in our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)​.​"

Because Alpine County is a close-knit community, emergencies bring in patients and familiar faces. Staff say this partnership is part of what makes their work meaningful. They view it as caring for their neighbors. The clinic also offers medication support, filling most prescriptions onsite. Behind the scenes, staffing reflects both dedication and sacrifice. Already, the impact is visible. A handful of residents have shared their excitement that the clinic is open more days than before. The foundation is one rooted in trust, culture and partnership. Soon it will have a major impact on all residents. Because of funds from Future of Public Health, people in Alpine County can now get health care nearby. This makes their lives better and helps everyone stay healthier.