The La Pine Community Health Center laid off staff members Wednesday, according to a press release.
The rural health center said the decision was made so it could keep it’s doors open to La Pine’s population of 2,512 and nearby towns.
Clinic CEO Erin Trapp, called the layoffs a proactive step and said, “we believe this will be a temporary change and plan to restore our workforce soon.”
It was not clear if the staff reduction was in response to President Trump’s recent announcement of federal grants and loans being frozen.
The federal funding stoppage was blocked by a judge last month. The injunction was extended Monday.
The health center’s three locations provide extensive services including, but not limited to, walk-in clinic services, prenatal care, pediatric healthcare, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, oral health and health care services in schools.
LPCHC has said that direct patient services will not be affected but did not say exactly what areas of clinic operation would be.
The La Pine Community Health Center did not respond to calls by the time of publication.
