Melrose clinic 'well-received' by community

A flyer is being circulated reminding Curry County residents that the Melrose Health Cinic is "now open," but the clinic has been in operation since May.

Plains Regional Medical Center (PRMC) opened the primary care clinic in Melrose through a partnership with Curry County in May, and providers say it has been a resource well-received by the small community.

Curry County Manager Lance Pyle said, however, area residents had told him they were not aware the clinic was open.

The flyer, he said, is designed to remind people that the clinic is available.

Laci Cruz, administrator for the Presbyterian Medical Group surgical clinic in Clovis and Melrose, said of the Melrose clinic, "We know how important it is to provide primary care options in our smaller communities so that residents do not have to travel long distances for important preventive care,"

Cruz said the clinic resulted from a partnership between PRMC and Curry County. The partnership was finalized in 2022.

The staff at the Melrose clinic includes certified nurse practitioners Stacey Chavez, who focuses on family practice and has subspecialties in urology and OB/GYN, and Kristen Benavidez, who specializes in family health.

The staff will soon be joined by physician assistant Geri Weiland, who provides care for adults.

All three also practice with Presbyterian Medical Group in Clovis.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide these important services in Melrose, so community members can have their healthcare needs met without having to travel for care," said Chavez in a release sent out in May.

Cruz said the clinic offers primary care services. This can include management of chronic diseases like diabetes, gynecology services, flu shots and regular check-ups, for all ages to Melrose and surrounding communities.

"When communities have convenient local health care available, they are better able to stay healthy and up-to-date on preventive care needs," Cruz said.

In addition to the clinic opening, Cruz said PRMC has been working with the Melrose High School to allow high school students to observe the team in the clinic.

"We will continue to look for other opportunities to support the community," she said.

The clinic, located at 121 N. Main St., Melrose, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays. Walk-ins and appointments are accepted.

Appointments are available by calling 575-769-7577.