Eastern Oregon University announced on Apr. 15 a new partnership with Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics to expand healthcare access for its students.
The initiative aims to provide EOU students with more comprehensive medical services while fostering stronger ties between the university and local healthcare providers. Under this new arrangement, students will be able to access care at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics, which is located two blocks from campus. They can establish ongoing relationships with local providers and request same-day appointments through the clinic’s patient portal.
As part of the change, EOU will shift from an on-campus Student Health Center model to a community-based approach. The current Student Health Center is set to close permanently on June 12, 2026, at the end of the Spring term. “This partnership represents an exciting evolution in how we support student health and well-being,” said Mollie Rockafellow, Vice President for Student Affairs at EOU. “By connecting students more directly with local healthcare providers, we are expanding access to a broader range of services while strengthening their connection to the La Grande community. We are proud to serve as a bridge, helping students navigate care, build relationships locally, and access support that extends beyond their time at EOU.”
The transition is intended to increase student access to a wider network of providers in La Grande, offer continuity of care beyond graduation, and reduce costs by lowering the student health services fee—from $239 per term down to $180 per term—pending approval by university governance bodies. Counseling Center services will remain unchanged throughout this transition period.
EOU plans continued support through its Benefits Navigator Program—which helps students understand insurance coverage—and will add programming along with staffing such as a Health and Wellness Coordinator. Students are encouraged to establish care based on their insurance plans or seek assistance from EOU’s Benefits Navigator if they have questions about coverage or local options.
Grande Ronde Hospital leaders welcomed the collaboration: “We’re proud to work alongside Eastern Oregon University to help care for students close to where they live and learn,” said Jeremy Davis, President and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics. “Partnerships like this matter in rural communities, and this one helps ensure students have access to quality care while strengthening the ties between our organizations.” The university also recognized its ongoing relationship with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) for past student healthcare provision.
University officials say they will continue evaluating services as needs evolve in order to ensure that all students receive necessary support both during their studies at EOU and within the larger community.
