Change-maker for Community Health

Clinton Kuntz, DBH, CEO of El Rio Health

By Loni Nannini

For Clinton Kuntz, El Rio Health represents redemption for everyone who has struggled with access to healthcare in any way, shape or form. 

It’s a concern that Kuntz, CEO of El Rio Health, understands all too well.

“Growing up in Appalachian Ohio, I experienced firsthand the challenges of limited medical care in rural areas,” said Kuntz. “This experience motivated me to help establish Muskingum Valley Health Centers in Morgan County, which provided essential services that were previously unavailable in the community.

“This health center later helped save my own daughter who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,” he said. “I have lived what not having access to care is like and what is does to a community.”

That experience left an indelible mark on the husband and father of three and shaped the philosophy that he brought to El Rio in 2022 after nine years as CEO at Marana Health.

“I believe that everyone should have access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of any barriers. Our goal at El Rio is to remove all barriers to access, whether it is being able to pay for your healthcare, or just finding a doctor in your community even if you have the ability to pay for care,” said Kuntz, who has emerged as a leader in the growing community health center movement that encompasses 20,000 sites nationwide.

Pima County is home to four community health center networks, and El Rio is the largest. Now serving one in nine Tucsonans, El Rio is working to redefine perceptions about community health centers with a “whole‑person care model,” according to Kuntz.

“A ‘whole-person care model’ integrates primary care, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services under one roof,” Kuntz said. “This approach not only improves access but also addresses physical, mental and social health needs in a coordinated way − improving health outcomes and removing barriers to care for the entire community.” 

Kuntz said this integration of services is a huge driver in the rising popularity of community health centers, which are nonprofit entities that reinvest all revenue into patient services and community programs.

“We combine affordability, accessibility and comprehensive care in one place, making it easier for patients to get the care they need at one location,” he said. “El Rio also provides services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, using sliding fee scales and helping people to navigate insurance options, which removes major financial barriers.”

The practicality and convenience of a “one-stop health shop” is enhanced by the sense of security that comes with the realization that patients can receive a continuum of care in spite of potential changes in insurance or loss of coverage. Kuntz said this peace of mind, in combination with the holistic, person-centered approach to care, makes for a healthier Tucson.

Patients also appreciate the 55 years of El Rio history that have forged strong personal and cultural bonds in many Tucson neighborhoods.  

“Our community health centers are deeply rooted in the community, employing staff from the community and offering language support, which builds trust and comfort for patients,” Kuntz said. “Located in medically underserved areas, they provide extended hours, same-day appointments, and telehealth options, reducing reliance on emergency departments.”

He emphasized that El Rio will continue its focus on prevention and chronic disease management with state-of-the-art technology and new models of care as it moves forward with its largest facility to date − El Rio Stone Health Center. Located at the former Tucson Heart Hospital, the $40-million project will serve up to 24,000 patients annually, reducing wait times across the region. 

True to El Rio’s model, the new facility will feature a full range of integrated services under one roof. In addition to primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, dental and behavioral health, it will offer a convenient drive-through pharmacy, on-site imaging, and lab services. 

“The Blessing Project” capital campaign for the new center has been met with overwhelming support, which Kuntz views as continued validation of El Rio’s vital role in Tucson’s healthcare safety net and the community overall. 

“Beyond healthcare, this project revitalizes a long-vacant hospital property, creates jobs, and strengthens our community. We look forward to bringing better access to care, more services and a healthier future for Tucson. El Rio has been here for 55 years, and we plan on being here for the next 55 and beyond,” Kuntz said.

Pictured above – Clinton Kuntz, DBH, CEO, El Rio Health. Photo by Brent G. Mathis

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