Our History

Heritage Health was largely conceived through Lidwin Dirne's pioneering efforts and sheer determination. 

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Lidwin's neighbor, Mary Ellen, a single mother living with disabilities, couldn't afford basic, preventative healthcare. After Mary Ellen's death, Lidwin was outraged and she decided this injustice should never happen again. 

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Lidwin mobilized the community and dedicated her life to providing health care to those who couldn't afford it.  In 1985, Lake City Health Care opened its doors as a volunteer-run, free clinic and operated two evenings per week. The clinic was supported by local donations, in-kind

contributions, pro-bono legal services, and volunteer primary care providers.

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Patients lined up around the block to be seen as the demand for services skyrocketed. Soon demand far exceeded the part-time volunteer clinic's capacity and an expansion became necessary. In 1999, the clinic was renamed the Dirne Community Health Center in honor of Lidwin Dirne. 

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In 2003, Dirne applied for and received federal funding from the Health and Resources Services Administration (HRSA) to become a federally qualified health center (FQHC). By February 2004, the clinic opened its doors as a full-time community health center.

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This change allowed for new service lines to be added and more patients to be seen regardless of their ability to pay. 

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The Dirne Community Health Center became Heritage Health in 2013. Lidwin's legacy lives on as we continue to serve nearly 30,000 patients across North Idaho.