Health & Human Services Committee
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HISTORY: In 1870, six years after the first permanent settlement in Idaho, the only doctor was in Malad City. From Eagle Rock (Idaho Falls) this was a four-day journey by horse and buggy. As a result many who lived in Eastern Idaho relied upon the use of native herbs and Indian remedies while others used Medical "Cyclopedias" to diagnose and treat ailments. Although there were few medically trained doctors in the area, it wasn’t until 1906 that a group of businessman organized a local hospital that eventually became known as the General Hospital located in Downtown Idaho Falls. In 1915 Doctors C.M. Cline and A. R. Soderquist built another "General Hospital" on the corner of Idaho Avenue and K Street and was the first building erected as a hospital. It had a 25-bed capacity and employed 14 nurses. Throughout the years, many hospitals and clinics have served the citizens of Idaho Falls and has proven to provide a wide range of medical facilities with top-notch professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, making it home to the finest health care in the region. The area now has full-service hospitals, various freestanding clinics, same day surgery centers, and home health care services.
MISSION: In 2003, the Chamber of Commerce established a Health & Human Services Committee that serves as a forum for open discussion about issues relating to the health care and human services industry in this area. It supports growth and development, quality services, and acts as a united voice on issues concerning these areas of business while keeping in mind the overall goals of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce.