Celebrate National Health Center Week

As we see increasing costs across the country, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are ensuring Iowans have access to affordable, comprehensive health care. Nearly 250,000 Iowans receive services at FQHCs. This week, August 6 – 12, marks National Health Center Week, a celebration of the mission and impact of Eastern Iowa Health Center, your local FQHC.

Iowa’s FQHCs are at the forefront of the health care system in addressing social drivers of health – conditions that affect a person’s overall wellbeing. By using innovative methods, patients can receive access to basic needs like food, housing, transportation, interpretation services and more.

EIHC successfully serves patients and families from Benton, Iowa, Linn, Johnson and Jones counties, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay for their services. Annually EIHC provides integrated medical, OB/GYN, behavioral health, pediatric and dental services in more than 50,000 appointments. Late this year, EIHC will complete building a new dental center to provide an additional 15,000 dental visits.

EIHC is thankful to partner with dozens of other local agencies to meet patient needs that exist outside of EIHC clinic walls. EIHC collaborates with hospitals, local and state governments, and social, health and business organizations to improve health outcomes for under-resourced communities and under-served populations.

EIHC and other FQHCs are critical to the healthcare system. Together we promote overall wellness. FQHCs not only provide high quality, affordable care, we also produce a strong return on investment, particularly in rural and other under-resourced communities. Providing care that is 27 percent lower than other providers, FQHCs save American taxpayers $28 billion a year in healthcare costs.

The ability to support Iowa’s healthcare system in rural and other under-resourced communities depends on the support of elected officials. Long-term federal funding for FQHCs and critical workforce programs are set to expire this fall. We also need and we need to further protect the 340B Program, a valuable program that allows EIHC’s patients to access affordable, often live-saving prescription drugs.

FQHCs are thankful for the strong support of Iowa’s Congressional delegation and state legislators. We look forward to continuing our strong partnerships to further support the health center program.

Joe Lock is the President & CEO of Eastern Iowa Health Center. JLock@EIHC.co.