About Us

The purpose of the District is to ensure that acute care (hospital) services, emergency medical (ambulance) services, and primary care services remain available to residents of the District, and that the quality and availability of these services be improved. 

Derek Kidwell

Representing District #1

St. Johns, AZ

Carl Wiltbank

Representing District #2  

St. Johns, AZ

Jerry Campeau

Chairman of The Board, 

Representing District #3

Springerville, AZ

Linda Martin

Vice Chair of the Board, 

Representing District #4

Eagar, AZ

Mike Nuttall

Representing District #5   

Eagar, Greer, Alpine and Nutrioso

All Board Terms are 4 years.  Our next election will be held November 2026!  If you are interested in our efforts and would like to run for election, you must reside within a District boundry.  Please contact us for more information!

White Mountain Communities Special Health Care District was created in 1995, in response to a crisis in southern Apache County’s health care system. To prevent losing the Springerville hospital and the valuable services it provides, community leaders worked to create special state legislation authorizing the creation of a special health care district.     

Local voters approved creation of the District, approved a secondary property tax to fund the District, and elected a five-member board to manage the District’s activities. The special legislation authorizes the District board to operate and maintain, or to provide for the operation and maintenance of a hospital, urgent care centers, medical clinics, and nursing care centers – and to contract with certain qualified entities for the delivery of hospital, urgent care, nursing care and ambulance services. 

Major components of the local health care system include Emergency Medical Services, Primary Care, and Acute Services; the Special Health Care District works to ensure that these services continue to be available. 

Powers of

Special Health Care 

District

Community Needs

Assessment

Public Records

Request Form

2015 Health Needs

Assessment

https://www.facebook.com/whitemountainhealthdistrict.org

The consistent population growth in Southern Apache County has placed increasing demands on the healthcare infrastructure of White Mountain Regional Medical Center (WMRMC). In response to this growing need, WMRMC has completed a significant expansion of its Emergency Department (ED) and continues to pursue additional infrastructure improvements. This expansion has increased capacity from 5 licensed beds to 11 licensed beds and introduced a dedicated fast-track area for lower-acuity patients.

This initiative directly addresses the rising volume and acuity of patients presenting to our ED. Extended dwell times and increased boarding have created critical space constraints, often necessitating care in non-traditional settings such as hallways and waiting areas. These conditions compromise patient privacy and comfort and require activation of our Crisis Standards of Care plan. When this occurs, we enter a state of Contingency Care, which involves notifying appropriate state agencies and deploying additional resources. While necessary during periods of high demand, this model is inherently less efficient and places added strain on our clinical teams and systems.

The expansion project included the renovation of approximately 2760 square feet and the addition of approximately 4,938 square feet to our facility. These improvements have enhanced patient flow, infection control, and the overall care environment—particularly during peak periods.

As part of this expansion and infrastructure improvement effort, WMRMC has also undertaken a wide range of critical upgrades and equipment acquisitions. These include the paving of nearly three acres of parking lot space, significantly improving accessibility and safety for patients, staff, and emergency vehicles. Several essential non-moveable equipment items, classified under construction-related assets, will be procured to support the operational needs of the expanded ED. Two new fixed X-ray machines will be installed to enhance diagnostic capabilities, with one X-ray room receiving an electrical service upgrade to accommodate the new equipment. To support the increased electrical demands of the expanded facility, the existing above-ground electrical service will be replaced with a more reliable underground system.

Additionally, a substantial allocation has been designated for moveable medical equipment, ensuring that the new and renovated spaces are fully equipped with modern, high-quality tools. This includes funding for pre-award costs associated with early procurement. A Coronary CTA upgrade will also be added to our existing CT machine, significantly enhancing our ability to assess and manage chest pain patients more effectively within the Emergency Department.

Collectively, these investments not only expand our capacity but also elevate the quality, efficiency, and safety of care delivered to our rural community.

We are deeply grateful to Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Kyrsten Sinema for their steadfast support of rural healthcare. Their advocacy has resulted in the allocation of Congressional Directed Spending to support this critical expansion. This funding affirms the importance of equitable healthcare access in rural communities and directly strengthens our ability to deliver timely, high-quality emergency care. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the White Mountain Communities Special Healthcare District and the many surrounding agencies and community partners who provided letters of support for this initiative. Their collective endorsement played a vital role in securing this funding and demonstrates the shared commitment across our region to improving healthcare infrastructure and outcomes for the residents we serve. As one of the most rural and economically challenged counties in Arizona, our region faces unique healthcare disparities. The support from our federal partners ensures that our mission to “Empower a Healthier Community” remains achievable, even amid growing challenges. The resources made available through this appropriation will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our patients and will help us continue to meet the evolving needs of our community with compassion, efficiency, and excellence.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who have contributed to this effort. Your commitment to rural healthcare is not only appreciated—it is transformative.