An affordable medical clinic in Oakridge launched by two UO alumni was featured in a weekend story in The Register-Guard.

Orchid Health was a dream of UO graduates Oliver Alexander and Orion Falvey for two years before it became a reality. With Oakridge in need of a convenient and inexpensive clinic, the business was welcomed by the community.

Orchid Health began as a business pitch the two former Ducks made during a student competition in 2012, while still studying at the university. Plans for the clinic were developed further during the second annual Oregon Social Business Challenge last fall.

This year, Alexander and Falvey earned first prize for their business model at the Civil War Shark Tank at the UO, first prize at the concept stage of the Willamette Angel Conference in Corvallis and audience favorite at Portland’s Elevating Impact Summit.

After two years growing their resources and support, Orchid Health’s grand opening was held Aug. 10.

—By Nathaniel Brown, Public Affairs Communications intern