Eastern Oregon University and Grande Ronde Hospital Announce Partnership to ExpandStudent Healthcare Access

Eastern Oregon University and Grande Ronde Hospital Announce Partnership to ExpandStudent Healthcare Access

Eastern Oregon University and Grande Ronde Hospital Announce Partnership to Expand
Student Healthcare Access

LA GRANDE, Ore. - Eastern Oregon University (EOU) and Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics (GRH) are pleased to announce a new partnership designed to expand healthcare access for EOU students and strengthen connections with local medical providers.

Through this partnership, students will have access to comprehensive healthcare services at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics, located just two blocks from campus. Students will be able to establish care with a local provider and request same-day appointments through the clinic's patient portal, ensuring timely and convenient access to care.

As part of this transition, EOU will move from an on-campus Student Health Center model to a community-based healthcare approach. The on-campus Student Health Center will permanently close on June 12, 2026, at the conclusion of the Spring term.

"This partnership represents an exciting evolution in how we support student health and well-being," said Mollie Rockafellow, Vice President for Student Affairs at EOU. "By connecting students more directly with local healthcare providers, we are expanding access to a broader range of services while strengthening their connection to the La Grande community. We are proud to serve as a bridge, helping students navigate care, build relationships locally, and access support that extends beyond their time at EOU."

The transition to a community-based model is intended to:

• Increase access to a wider network of healthcare providers in La Grande.
• Provide continuity of care beyond a student's time on campus.
• Reduce costs for students by proposing a decrease in the student health services fee.

EOU is currently proposing to reduce the student health services fee from $239 per term to $180 per term, pending approval through university governance and Board processes. EOU emphasized that Counseling Center services will remain unchanged. Students will continue to have full access to counseling and mental health support without interruption through the 2026-27 academic year and beyond.

To help students navigate healthcare options, EOU will continue to offer its Benefits Navigator Program, which assists students in understanding insurance coverage and identifying local providers. Additionally, the university plans to enhance health literacy and student support through expanded programming and staffing, including a Health and Wellness Coordinator. Students are encouraged to begin establishing care with a provider that aligns with their insurance coverage and plans. Those without insurance or with questions about local providers can access support through EOU's Benefits Navigator.

Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its role in

supporting student success.

"We're proud to work alongside Eastern Oregon University to help care for students close to where they live and learn," said Jeremy Davis, President and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics. "Partnerships like this matter in rural communities, and this one helps ensure students have access to quality care while strengthening the ties between our organizations.

EOU also acknowledged its longstanding partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and expressed appreciation for the care provided to students over the years.

This transition reflects EOU's ongoing commitment to aligning student services with evolving needs-focusing on access, quality, and affordability. University leaders will continue to evaluate and refine services to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive both on campus and in the community.

For more information, contact EOU Student Affairs at [email protected] or call (541) 962-3052.