Open Door Community Health Centers was founded with a vision to provide excellent health care and health education to an underserved part of California, at a time when the region suffered from a shortage of access.
Starting as a single clinic in 1971, Open Door now has 12 community health centers across Humboldt and Del Norte counties a service area larger than the state of Connecticut serving more than 55,000 patients a year and employing almost 600 members of the community.
A patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a model of patient care that uses a team-based approach and emphasizes care coordination and communication across specialties to achieve an excellent patient care experience and help lower medical costs.
Open Door has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims (including medical malpractice claims) for itself and its covered clinicians/practitioners and support staff.
Open Door was founded in 1971, with a vision of providing high quality health care and health education to a rural, underserved part of California, at a time when the region suffered from a shortage of access to health care services.
Open Door was born from the efforts of local community leaders and volunteers in Arcata. The first clinicthe Humboldt Open Door Clinicoperated on the site of a former bank, until it could afford to move to a larger location.
Herrmann Spetzler became Open Doors Chief Executive Officer in 1977, building on the clinics early volunteer-driven programs, activism, and optimism, and leading the organization through turmoil, adaptation, and growth, until his unexpected death in 2018. Throughout his lifetime of leadership, Herrmann Spetzler championed the cause of community and rural healthcare at the State and Federal levels.
Herrmann, along with his wife and Open Doors Chief Operations Officer, Cheyenne Spetzler, initiated and cultivated innovative programs and initiatives at Open Door and beyond, in service of lowering barriers and increasing access for patients to health care services. Programs such as Open Doors Nurse Practitioner and Family Medicine residency programs, mobile health services, patient navigation services, and a telehealth-focused health centerof particular benefit to rural communities, where specialty care can be limitedare a testament to their vision.
One initiative that embodies Open Doors vision of integrating health services is Open Doors Health and Wellness Gardens. Staff and volunteers maintain community gardens at health centers throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties, which are both sites of learning and provide seasonal produce for patients, for distribution at the health centers. Programs like this, along with initiatives such as the food pantries at all Open Door health centers, where patients and community members can get nutritious food items, contribute to county and community efforts to combat food insecurity.
From its humble beginnings in 1971, as a volunteer-run clinic in Arcata, Open Door now has over 600 employees and operates a network of twelve community health centers and clinicsacross an area larger than the state of Connecticutserving over 59,000 of our friends, family, and neighbors.
Fifty years on Open Door has grown and changed, but its mission remains the sameto provide quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services, and education to all, regardless of financial, geographic, or social barriers.
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors has recognized Open Door as the Best Place to Work in Humboldt. Thomas Steenblock, from the Telehealth & Visiting Specialist Center in Eureka, accepted an award on behalf of Open Door. On behalf of Open Doors board of directors, executive leadership, and all its providers [...]
By Erik Salholm|2021-12-29T05:48:56-08:00December 28th, 2021|Burre Dental Center, Del Norte Community Health Center, Eureka Community Health Center, Ferndale Community Health Center, Fortuna Community Health Center, Humboldt Open Door Clinic, McKinleyville Community Health Center, Member Services, Mobile Health Services, News, NorthCountry Clinic, NorthCountry Prenatal Services, Redwood Community Health Center, TVSC, Willow Creek Community Health Center|Comments Off on Check Out Our 2022 Holiday Opening Hours
Check out our opening hours for the upcoming holidays. All Open Door sites will be closed on: Friday, December 31, 2021: New Year's Day Observed Monday, January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, February 21, 2022: Presidents Day Monday, May 30, 2022: Memorial Day Monday, July 4, [...]
Support Group for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Survivors and Family/Partners/Caregivers About the group: The groups are part of a Community Partnership Project through HSU's Masters in Social Work program, and will be facilitated by a Humboldt State Universitys Masters of Social Work Program student intern and MHWC staff. Making [...]
Welcome back to our monthly podcast celebrating Open Doors 50th Anniversary! As we come to a close on this very special series, we are happy to have Open Doors president Tory Starr as guest this month. In this episode we get to hear about Torys homesteading adventures, oyster sales, [...]
On December 3 this year, during the annual celebration of people with disabilities, the 2021 theme is Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era. This year, we are celebrating the challenges, barriers and opportunities for people who live with disabilities, in the context of a [...]
World AIDS Day has been observed on December 1, with the purpose of honoring and remembering the millions who have been lost to the epidemic and to bring attention to HIV/AIDS and show support to those currently living with it. World AIDs Founded in 1988, [...]
November 13-19 is Trans Awareness Week, when communities and organizations around the world raise awareness about transgender people and the barriers they face in trying to live happy, authentic lives. This week ends with Transgender Day of Remembrance, on November 20. [...]
Welcome back to our monthly podcast celebrating Open Doors 50th Anniversary! We have a very special guest this month, our patient Amber Madrone has kindly shared their time with us. In this episode we discuss their personal life, experiences with Open Door, and hopes for the future. Join us [...]
Smith River Flu and COVID Vaccine Clinic.Date: Sunday, November 7th from 2-5pmWhere: Smith River School, Smith River, CAYou can receive both the fly and COVID-19 shot at the same time.Clnica de Vacunas contra la Gripa y COVID en Smith River.Fecha: Domingo 7 de noviembre de 2-5pmDonde?: Escuela Primaria Smith RiverPueden [...]
Welcome back to our monthly podcast celebrating Open Doors 50th Anniversary. For this episode we collected our favorite moments from our 50th anniversary celebration podcast. Take a listen to hear some of our favorite moments!
Reviews
Rating 2.6 out of 5 based on 79 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestIvy D.
a year ago
I have anxiety related to dentists and finding a provider in Humboldt was next-to-impossible so it had been awhile since I'd been checked out or had a cleaning. I went here for an emergency appointment after having some tooth pain and Dr. Carter shamed me for not going to a dentist regularly, saying that HE goes to Santa Rosa for dental care and sometimes you "just have to do what you have to do." Nice for him that he has that privilege but not all of us do. The front desk is alternately rude and apathetic and there are HIPAA violations in the little exam pods (I could see other patient's names on the computer screen, very clearly). Go somewhere, anywhere, else.
B
a year ago
Terrible front staff. Rude people. Waited hours and then was told even with very-recent x-rays already on file that they wouldn't do anything same day. Then was told they don't even do crowns. This place is garbage and the lowest denominator. What a disgusting money grab wasting everyone's time with excessive appointments (booked months out or good luck if you can get in you'll wait several hours to be seen even first thing in the morning). 0 stars. Yuck. What rude, terrible front desk people who know nothing and can't answer basic questions.
Kaethe Bratton
2 years ago
I am in shock at how little was done for me,I have a serious,quite agonizing tooth infection.the doctor,mr.wright told me to decide to redo my root canal,or have it removed,why was this up to me,when both options were described as dangerous?then I said I wanted antibiotics as it would be weeks till I could get to another city for dental work,there's nothing in arcata for the disabled poor,so it would be a greyhound ride for 5 hours to santa Rosa,and he denied my request,saying,when they cleaned out the decay,the pain would ease up! No antibiotics for a serious infection! So I can't be see till mid February,and my pain is not important,that is the message from the burre center,and if I die from not being prescribed medication,while waiting weeks,it will be wrongful death caused by the negligence of this clinic!!!
Queen of Cups
2 years ago
They were fast and friendly. As soon as I got there they gave us masks and paperwork to fill out. We only waited 5 minutes in the waiting room before we got called back for the appointment. In total we spent 1hr there.
Thomas G.
2 years ago
my primary office in arcata is closed for a whole week. probably on vacation. i was flossing and a filling popped out. one of their dentists took xrays, pics, and send them over to my primary office. checked that the hole in my tooth was safe enough for me to wait until my primary office is open so i can get my filling replaced. professional and quick. free tooth brush for the hole in my tooth too. great service. thanks
Ciara Weaver
2 years ago
Very difficult to obtain an appointment and it's usually about a 3 month wait to get your next one. Make sure to call at the beginning of the month to schedule as their calendars fill up fast. Dentists tend to leave and then you get stuck waiting for a new provider to get established with.
Warrior Mama
2 years ago
To the young "lady" that came in and gave the staff grief about wait times and outside office ruckus. Shame on you! You obviously have never worked in customer service or haven't lived in Humboldt long. In this day and age the last thing people need is to be given any grief especially when they have to deal with people like you. They do a wonderful job at explaining the process and the wait times BEFORE you make the appointment... so maybe you should listen- also why would they want to reschedule you when all you do is verbally abuse them, put the business down and continue to be a "Karen" . Evidently you need to grow up and learn manners. I appreciate this business and all their staff. Their jobs are not easy and people like you put a bad taste in my mouth. I work hard and deal with customers every day. Be nice to everyone! They are a daughter to somebody.... You wouldn't want someone to treat your child that way would you? BE THE CHANGE not the problem
Anthony Okal
2 years ago
Had a very good experience here. Everyone was very kind and professional and explained everything to me in a concise way. I never felt judged at all which has happened at other places. If you guys read this I do want to say sorry if I was at all rude, I was in so much pain this morning before you got me on the antibiotics and was probably very short. All around I'd give this place a 10/10
Jay Jonah
2 years ago
Absolutely the worst place you can go 4 months backed out the dentist are piles of garbage that are rude and they don't show concern for your issues if this wasn't the only place to go id out money they'd of tore it down by now
Victoria L. Klein
2 years ago
Lucky I get to be a patient at Burre Dental. They accept partnership and private insurance. Depending on situation there's a waiting list and hear it's impossible to be seen as a new patient. Doesn't hurt to try. The next partnership Medi-cal dentistrys are in Oregon and Redding or Santa Rosa. I seen the staff here for 7 years and have always been kind and helpful. The dentist and assistants have been professional and gentle during every visit. Thanks guys
Robert Steele
2 years ago
When a child show any emotions of being upset they just walk away Instead of even trying to talk to your child and ease there worry. It's tramatic to some kids and at least try to talk to them instead of just walking away and making it worse.
Tobin Tullis
2 years ago
I was prepared to have a not-so-great experience. I WAS WRONG. I had to have a long time broken tooth removed and it was going to be tricky. Their bedside manner immediately calmed me and kept me calm. They treated me like a friend. The dentist (while short on conversation) was extremely professional and quick. The after care was perfectly explained and they even walked me out. The healing process was 200 times quicker and more pain free than I thought it would be. Overall (all things considered) an amazing experience was had.
KODY DENNON
2 years ago
Biggest joke in humboldt county. I'll never go again. They ask you to call them back every month to make an appointment and you can never get the appointment. They have major issues at this place. Plus the dentist are all brand new. They have splashed cleaning solution in my eyes, they killed my gums around my canine and they have overdosed me on the numbing agent because the guy couldn't do a nerve block. I hate this place with a passion. There's only one good dentist in that place and he doesn't care about the patients anymore.
Robin Hood
2 years ago
This place sucks, I've been sitting here 4 hours and 14 minutes. With no word on whether I will ever get in.
Alecia Carl
2 years ago
I drove 1 1/2 hours for a 7:30 am appointment for my 7 year old to have her first cavity filled, she was scared and started crying and before I even had the chance to comfort her and calm her down (which she did) the dentist got up and walked out and they refused to fill her cavity. If you have children take them somewhere else they do not know how to speak to kids.
Teresa Raphael
2 years ago
The premier dental center in Humboldt county, so busy they often have to refer out or schedule pretty far in advance. If you're fortunate enough get in you'll be thrilled with the whole experience even and especially during the pandemic where you're greeted with mask, temperature taking, covid-19 screening & beepers so we could hang out all over burre center and surrounding areas. I haven't even addressed their staff and facilities. I adore dr rosas and can't believe she'll be finished with my replacement teeth including ordering bone grafts & implants to make sure
K
2 years ago
Receptionist was friendly and clear about my (emergency) appointment details. The dental assistant and doctor were helpful and made me feel more comfortable and exceeded my expectations. The facility itself appeared clean and updated. I wish they were taking new patients because I would gladly come here for regular care.
T
2 years ago
This place is a joke, not only are the people at the front desk just plain rude, but it is impossible to get an appointment. I had a dental cleaning scheduled months ahead of time only to have them call me the day of my appointment saying they had to reschedule because the dentist "was sick". That's not a problem stuff happens but what blew my mind was the earliest next appointment they had was 6 months away, are you kidding? Don't go here.
Kyler Tidwell
2 years ago
Was told to be there at 7:45 am and I didn't get seen until 10:30am. Was given an x ray, and a referral out for another 2 months for a tooth extraction. Not cool. People were nice, but the x ray took all but 10 minutes. The wait in unacceptable - I nearly walked out except I needed the tooth extracted.
Robert Steele
3 years ago
When a child show any emotions of being upset they just walk away Instead of even trying to talk to your child and ease there worry. It's tramatic to some kids and at least try to talk to them instead of just walking away and making it worse.
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