-Editorial
After years of challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and a long-awaited process, Dr. Brian Tyson has officially opened All Valley Urgent Care in Calexico. The facility, located at 400 Mary Avenue, aims to provide essential urgent care services to the community, filling a long-standing healthcare gap in the border city.
The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and local elected officials joined the ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 13.
Dr. Tyson reflected on the journey to opening the clinic, emphasizing the need for accessible medical care in Calexico.
“The Heffernan District put out an RFP (Request for Proposals) for urgent care services. They wanted a healthcare provider who could meet that need here, and we were the ones who answered the call,” Dr. Tyson said.
He recounted his conversations with Tomas Virgen of the Heffernan District, who outlined the district’s vision for the urgent care facility. After submitting their proposal—surprisingly, the only one received—Dr. Tyson and his team were awarded the contract.
“We worked with the district and the board to make adjustments to the facility, ensuring it could properly function as an urgent care center. We collaborated with architects and builders, and though the process took longer than expected, we are finally here,” he stated.
One of the biggest challenges in opening the urgent care center was dealing with the extensive regulatory process that comes with operating in a district-owned building
“The biggest problem was the codes, guidelines, red tape, and change orders. Every time a change was needed, it had to go through meetings and approvals, which delayed the process,” Dr. Tyson explained.
Despite the bureaucratic delays, the facility is now fully operational and ready to serve the community.
All Valley Urgent Care provides comprehensive medical services, including treatment for infections, lacerations, abscesses, and wound care, as well as X-rays and diagnostic evaluations. Patients can also receive IV therapeutics, antibiotics, and hydration therapy, along with care for conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, and mild congestive heart failure exacerbations. In addition to its wide range of urgent care treatments, the facility stands out for its broad insurance acceptance, ensuring accessibility for patients across the community.
“We take all insurances in the Valley and Medi-Cal. We even have a Mexicali component covered, making care accessible for patients on both sides of the border,” Dr. Tyson emphasized.
Currently, the clinic operates Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, but hours are expected to expand based on demand.
“As more people become aware of our services, we’ll extend to 10-hour or 12-hour days and eventually move to a seven-day-a-week schedule,” he added.
Future plans for the facility include the addition of a pharmacy, a CT scan machine, and an ultrasound machine to further enhance patient care.
The opening of All Valley Urgent Care marks another victory for healthcare access in Calexico, according to Mayor Pro Tem Victor Legaspi, who expressed his excitement about the new facility.
“Like Dr. Tyson said earlier, our ambulance or fire personnel sometimes respond to calls where patients would normally be transported to the Central Regional Medical Center. But now, if it’s safe enough, they have the option to receive care right here in Calexico,” Legaspi said. “We’re very excited to have an urgent care center for people of all ages who need medical assistance, and I thank Dr. Tyson and his family for making this happen.”
When asked about the city’s role in promoting further investment in medical services, Legaspi emphasized Calexico’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare expansion.
“We are always promoting businesses, and the more urgent cares, the better. Anything that helps improve healthcare access for our residents is something we will continue to support and encourage,” he added.
