05/23/2026
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A Kidz Clinic was established as a nonprofit in 2014 by local residents committed to improving access to healthcare for children and families in Delta County. Over the years, it has become an important community resource, offering affordable sports physicals, dental hygiene services, mental health support, traumatic brain injury triage, and other care on a sliding fee scale designed to meet families where they are.
Now, however, the future of the clinic appears uncertain.
Last year, board member Bethany Suppes brought concerns to the school board regarding the clinic’s operational structure. Because the district had been processing payroll on behalf of the clinic and later receiving reimbursement, questions were raised about liability and financial oversight. In response, the board voted to create a cleaner separation between the district and the nonprofit by ending the practice of routing clinic finances through district accounts. The clinic was also asked to hire a dedicated bookkeeper to strengthen financial oversight, a reasonable step for a 501(c)(3) organization managing more than $500,000 annually.
Those changes could have marked the beginning of a more sustainable partnership. Instead, many community members now worry they marked the beginning of an effort to push the clinic out entirely.
At a recent board meeting, concerns voiced by some board members have focused heavily on Colorado laws allowing minors age 12 and older to access certain mental health services without parental consent. These laws were passed by the state legislature and apply across Colorado healthcare systems, not just at A Kidz Clinic. Similar privacy protections are already standard in many adolescent healthcare settings, including patient portals that restrict parental access to sensitive medical information.
Supporters of the clinic argue that these protections exist for a reason: to ensure vulnerable youth can safely seek help when needed. This is especially necessary if abuse or in**st is present in the youth's life, and he or she cannot speak of it at home.
It is also important to note that most of the care in the clinic is delivered with the parents’ full knowledge and cooperation.
During the May 14 special meeting, board member Sheldon Kier stated that the clinic had become a significant issue during the last school board election. Some local observers questioned that characterization, noting that the clinic itself was never discussed publicly during campaign season. Kier also suggested the district could potentially use the clinic space for other purposes.
Meanwhile, Executive Director Diane (Docktor) Underwood was not given an opportunity to respond to questions during the meeting, which left some attendees frustrated. Much of the discussion centered on parental consent concerns, requests for additional data, and broader dissatisfaction with the clinic’s operations. To many in attendance, the direction of the conversation suggested the board may already be preparing for closure or replacement of the program.
Board member Dan Burke stood out as one of the clinic’s strongest defenders. Burke highlighted the clinic’s long-standing relationships in the community and the practical services it provides to local families. He noted that replacing the clinic through a new RFP process would set services back and risk losing institutional knowledge and trust built over more than a decade.
Burke also praised Diane Underwood’s leadership, particularly her expertise in insurance coding and billing practices that helped move the clinic toward long-term financial sustainability. During his years serving on the clinic’s board, Burke helped oversee the development of the Hotchkiss K-8 clinic offices, including updated dental equipment and x-ray capabilities.
Underwood has since resigned, reportedly believing that ongoing tensions with some district board members made it difficult for the clinic to move forward effectively under her leadership. Supporters say her departure is a significant loss for the organization and the broader community.
As discussions continue, many residents are asking how much healthcare access for families will be reduced if the clinic is ultimately removed from the district.
Community members who would like to share their thoughts can contact the school board at schoolboard@deltaschools.com or attend the May 28 meeting at 6 p.m., where public comment will be allowed.
