Eastern Iowa Health Center celebrates

Communities across the country will celebrate National Health Center Week Aug. 4—10, an annual recognition of the important role of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as Community Health Centers (CHC), in the U.S. healthcare system.

Iowa’s FQHCs provide high-quality, affordable services to nearly 245,000 Iowans and 31.5 million Americans nationwide. Our patient-directed model of care is tailored to the unique needs of each community and includes behavioral health, dental, medical, pediatric, OB/GYN and walk-in services. FQHCs ensure all Iowans have access to care, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

CHCs keep communities healthy, contribute to local economies, and save taxpayer dollars. Across the country, CHCs generate $85 billion in economic activity while saving American taxpayers $28 billion a year and saving Medicaid $2,371 per person when compared to other providers.

Eastern Iowa Health Center (EIHC) will celebrate National Health Center Week 2024 by hosting the 2nd Annual Community Block Party at their Wellington Heights campus. This exciting event will take place on Friday, Aug. 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1210 4th Ave SE.

This event will bring together our staff, board of directors, elected officials, mascots and community collaborators to celebrate our shared commitment to accessible and patient centered healthcare for all.

In order to foster a sense of community, EIHC is offering a free meal to 300 patients, friends and neighbors. Additionally, there will be family-friendly activities, including bounce houses, ambulance and firetruck tours, loads of fun and a nonprofit resource fair showcasing the numerous services available to our community.

Eastern Iowa Health Center is proud of its role in providing vital healthcare services, with more than 71,000 provider/patient visits annually. Our outreach extends to more than 17,500 unduplicated individuals in five counties (Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, and Linn), with 96% of our patients living with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Our mission is Exceptional Healthcare for all. It is critical as it underscores our commitment to ensuring every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to high-quality healthcare services. By upholding this mission, we not only contribute to improving the health and well-being of individuals and our community but also promote justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. .

The health center mission is crucial as access to basic care remains a challenge to over 100 million people across the country. Many people live in remote areas and communities where there is a shortage of providers.

To survive and thrive, Congress must pass long-term funding for Community Health Centers. We are grateful for the continued support of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation, including Sen. Grassley, Sen. Ernst, and Rep. Hinson.

Please Contact Will Davidson at WDavidson@eihc.co or 319-533-7438 for more information.

Joe Lock is the President & CEO of Eastern Iowa Health Center and can be reached at JLock@eihc. co.