What's New at the Clinic

Rural Champion Award for Dr. Peter Van Houten

Dr. Peter Van Houten, CEO at Sierra Family Medical Clinic (SFMC), received a “Rural Champion Award” by the California State Rural Health Association (CSRHA). Five awards were given by CSRHA for Rural Championship in Community. Dr. Van Houten was the only physician to receive the award among four other rural health innovators, including Senator Lois Walk and Assemblywoman Patty Berg. Dr. Van Houten and SFMC staff have gained recognition primarily for the pioneering work of integrating mental health services into the primary healthcare setting.

He received the award at a luncheon at the Convention Center in Sacramento Nov. 20. This is a prestigious award and means a lot to Dr. Van Houten, SFMC and our community. Dr. Van Houten and Director of Behavioral Health, Jennifer Sale, are currently mentoring other clinics and organizations that want to introduce this new integrated health model.