Kimble Hospital is delighted to announce the appointment of Melissa Jasso as its new Chief Nursing Officer.  Melissa brings 17 years of experience in nursing and leadership to the team at Kimble Hospital, having worked in a variety of roles within the healthcare industry.

Melissa’s passion for nursing developed from an early age, inspired by her grandmother and mother, who were both nurses. She recalls, “I grew up watching them care for people in their communities, and I shared their passion. I knew I was destined to become a nurse.”

Beginning her nursing career as a pediatric nurse with Christus Health, Melissa spent three years at the bedside before transitioning into leadership roles. She later became the Director of the Spinal and Thoracic Treatment & Research Center, and was also actively involved in the construction of CHOSA, a freestanding pediatric hospital.

Susan Parker, Administrator at Kimble Hospital, expressed her excitement in having Melissa on board. “We are thrilled to have someone with Melissa’s experience join us in Junction. Her leadership and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring the highest quality of care for our patients.”

Melissa’s family relocated to Harper, TX, and she is excited to take on her new role in Junction. She remarked, “I grew up in a small town in Louisiana, and over the years, my family has benefited from having a critical access hospital within our community. When the CNO role became available at Kimble Hospital, I felt strongly that filling that role was in God’s plans. I am excited about the opportunity to be able to ‘give back’.”

When asked about the staff at Junction Melissa says, “They are passionate about providing exceptional care and have embraced the leadership changes at Kimble Hospital. I look forward to serving the members of this community and being a part of this amazing team.”

The Junction Medical Clinic location in Rocksprings will offer a variety of services to improve the health of the local community. Importantly, with the continued Public Health Emergency (PHE), increased access to Covid-19 testing, treatment and vaccination will be an important focus of the clinic.

“We are proud to partner with Edwards County in their vision to secure access to local health care,” says Duke Young, administrator at Kimble Hospital.  “The County Judge and Commissioners have shown overwhelming support to make this clinic possible at a pivotal moment when localized care to residents is so important.”

In addition to Covid-19 related care, wellness visits, immunizations and chronic disease management for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are all common practice for a family medicine clinic practice. These are an important part of diagnosing and treating emerging medical conditions before serious illness sets in.

Jay Jackson, M.D. is one of four medical providers that will be travelling to Rocksprings. “We have always talked about the importance of visiting a medical provider, even when you aren’t sick.  Regular visits allow us to diagnose and treat health issues before they become serious.  I hope our presence in Rocksprings will make it easier for people who live in the area to stay on top of their health.”

Jared Chanski, Executive Vice President of Preferred Management, the company that manages Junction Medical Clinic added, “We are proud to extend our excellent medical services and physician oversight to the town of Rocksprings. Junction has benefited greatly from the wonderful care our medical professionals have provided and I’m sure Rocksprings and Edwards County will enjoy having medical care close to home again.”

Rocksprings Medical Clinic will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm and Fridays from 9am to 3pm.  The clinic accepts most medical insurance including Medicare.  To schedule an appointment please call (325) 446-3305.