Eastern Plumas Health Care reports that progress is being made on its new California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal — CalAIM — office above the Nifty Thrift shop in Portola.
Made possible by the recent addition of a $98,000 grant award from Partnership HealthPlan of California, the office project moves another step closer to construction with the selection of RemodelWest as the contractor, said EPHC. Bill Reid, owner of RemodelWest, is a local licensed general contractor with background in residential large-scale remodeling and construction. Reid will oversee the project management and construction of the new build.
With the builder on board, next steps include the purchase of primary furnishings for the conference rooms like conference tables and chairs, said EPHC. Organizers promise that the space will offer “a considerable improvement” over the current CalAIM office, with a designated location for members and ample meeting space. An additional purchase will include a backup generator that will allow the office to remain operational and provide service to its members during power outages.
Converting the existing space above the Nifty Thrifty is the practical solution to opening this new office, said EPHC. Not only is the location centralized for its members, but Nifty Thrifty manager Matt Hamilton applauds the decision for the otherwise vacant space.
“We are thrilled at the prospects of the arrival of a CalAIM office in Portola,” said Hamilton. “It’s a special situation when like-minded people converge with the intention of direct community service to our locals and the local EPHC hospital campuses. Surely our community is strengthened when there is a strong presence of helpers to care for the increasing need for basic items of survival as well as advocacy programs to assist with longer-term solutions for our community. We hope that 116 Commercial St. will be such a place for community vitality.”
The official opening date of this new office is anticipated for spring 2026. In the meantime, the CalAIM office continues to operate from its Loyalton location. More information about the CalAIM program is available via [email protected] or 530-832-6622.
New employee joins CalAIM team
EPHC also announces a new addition to its CalAIM team: Fayth Harris. Newly married, Harris recently relocated to Plumas County and has settled in the community, said EPHC. Team members describe Harris as family oriented and pet loving, and said she is looking forward to the quaint mountain community lifestyle.
Harris joins the other care managers who assist over 125 members of the program. She will assist with office duties and provide care management services for Medi-Cal members. With the primary focus of helping CalAIM members successfully manage their own health care, Harris said she is committed to helping members carve out goals and achieve desired outcomes.
Those who would like to learn more about the CalAIM program can call 530-832-6622 or email [email protected].