Expanding Access to Healthcare
Axis Health System is a community-based healthcare organization serving the medically underserved region of southwest Colorado. In 2023, Axis was able to purchase a new building with a $14 million loan from First Southwest Bank and federal funding from the New Market Tax Credit program. First Southwest Bank was able to provide the loan with the Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), which enabled an increase in their lending capacity. The new building has vastly increased the capacity for Axis to care for patients and create local jobs. It consolidates primary, behavioral, and oral healthcare, as well as administrative services and a pharmacy, into one location. The new facility offers additional health resources, including diabetes and nutrition education, chronic disease management, vaccinations, and reproductive health services. It also provides outreach services, insurance enrollment assistance, support for non-English speakers, and transportation and care coordination for families and people facing homelessness. In total, Axis employs between 160 and 180 employees at the integrated health clinic with plans to hire 20 new staff members.
“We’re really excited about providing a more accessible healthcare experience for southwest Colorado residents, and we couldn’t have done this without the bank’s help and the federal New Market Tax Credit Program."
—Shelly Burke, Axis CEO