Siskiyou Community Health Center (SCHC) began as the Takilma Peoples Clinic in 1973. After a medical crisis within the community volunteer residents of the Illinois Valley turned an old farm house into a community health center. Dr. Jim Shames came from Multnomah County Health Department to train local volunteers. His plan was to only stay for a few months but he ended up moving to the valley and served as SCHC’s medical director until 2003.

           Due to the Longwood Fire in 1987 the clinic was forced to evacuate. They moved to a new building in Cave Junction and began expanding. A few years later the Takilma Peoples Clinic became known as Siskiyou Community Health Center. Then, in the 1990’s, the clinic became a federally qualified health center (FQHC).

            In 1997 SCHC merged with Our Valley Clinic and Gateway Dental Clinic in Grants Pass. SCHC built up these services to FQHC level.

            Then, in 2001, community volunteers and the board of directors embarked on a building program at the north end of Cave Junction to replace its outgrown medical facility. Early 2007 this new 10,000 square foot facility opened its doors to patients. This also includes a state-of-the-art lab and radiology facility operated by Asante Health System.

            SCHC continues to follow its mission to build healthy communities by providing a wide range of services. It now operates two medical facilities, three school-based health centers, a dental facility and Outreach programs.