FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terrie Davidson
Public Information Officer, Community Relations Manager
Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinics
928-684-3219
2026 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDS TO LOCAL STUDENTS COMMITTED TO RURAL HEALTHCARE.
WICKENBURG, AZ – 05/13/2026; Wickenburg Community Hospital & Clinics (WCH) and The Wickenburg Community Hospital Foundation (WCHF) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 scholarships, awarded to support exceptional local students who are pursuing health-related education and preparing to serve in rural medicine.
Aspen Klenk and Israel Helendrez Dominguez were honored last night for their dedication to healthcare education and improving access to care in rural communities.
The William J. Firth III, MD, Rural Medicine Scholarship Fund has been awarded to Aspen Klenk, a proud 2026 graduating senior of Wickenburg High School. This $1,000 award supports a WHS senior committed to enrolling in a health-related degree or certificate program at a college, university, trade, or vocational school, with the goal of returning to provide vital care in rural medicine.
Aspen Klenk plans to attend WGU with the intention of becoming a child psychologist, focusing on providing essential mental health care in rural areas where such resources are urgently needed. “I just want to help my community and make it as affordable as possible for them. Mental health care should be available to everyone, no matter the financial situation.”
The Wickenburg Community Hospital Scholarship has been awarded to Israel Helendrez Dominguez, a dedicated 2026 graduating senior of Wickenburg High School. This $1,000 award is presented to a WHS senior who is pursuing a health-related degree program and is committed to returning to serve in rural medical practice.
Israel Helendrez Dominguez will attend NAU to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with a focus on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to rural populations. “The ability to make a tangible difference in someone’s life, whether through medical care or emotional support, is what draws me to this field.”
These scholarships demonstrate our ongoing commitment to investing in local students who are passionate about healthcare and aspire to serve rural communities. By supporting these promising graduates at the beginning of their educational journeys, WCH and the WCHF are helping to ensure the next generation of healthcare professionals are prepared to meet the unique needs of rural medicine.
“Our mission is to build healthier communities by investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Jackie Lundblad, CEO of Wickenburg Community Hospital. “By supporting students like Aspen and Israel, we are not only helping them achieve their dreams but also strengthening our commitment to making quality care accessible for rural families. We look forward to the positive impact they will have here at home and in similar communities in the years ahead.”
WCH and the Foundation extend their heartfelt congratulations to Aspen Klenk and Israel Helendrez Dominguez. We wish them continued success as they pursue their studies and look forward to the positive impact they will have on the future of rural healthcare.
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About Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinics
Wickenburg Community Hospital is a nonprofit organization, established in 1926 and remains committed to quality health and wellness services where the patient, family and community come first. Federally designated as a Critical Access Hospital and state designated as a Level IV Trauma Center, WCH strives to meet the needs of residents and surrounding rural communities within approximately 3,300 square miles.
Our campus includes Specialized Emergency Medicine, Advanced Life Saving Technology, Critical Cardiac Care, Barrow Neurological Institute Telestroke Partnership, Community Primary Care Clinics, Surgical and Diagnostic Services, Licensed 19 Bed Acute Care Unit, QWickCare Urgent Care, TeleCardiology Services, Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory, Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI), Cardiopulmonary, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Center, Infusion Center, Interventional Pain Management Program, Cancer Care Partnership with City of Hope and more. Visit wickhosp.com to learn more.
