From August 2-8, Promise and health centers across the country will celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW)! NHCW is an annual celebration to highlight the hundreds of health centers that form the backbone of America’s primary care system. This year’s theme, “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” reflects the work happening every day at Promise Community Health Center as we serve our communities.

At Promise Community Health Center, innovation is about finding better ways to meet people where they are and ensure they can access the care they need. As the needs of our patients and communities change, we are continuously adapting our services, programs, and care delivery models to improve access, outcomes, and the patient experience.

CHCs are problem-solvers with a dedicated workforce. Our teams look beyond the standard appointment to address the factors that impact health, such as housing, transportation, food access, and others that can make it challenging for Iowans to stay healthy. And at the same time, we’re providing high-quality primary and preventative care. Over the past year, more than 250,000 Iowans received medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services through CHCs.

Using innovative strategies to improve access to care remains a priority. Iowa’s CHCs are bringing care directly to patients through mobile clinics, outreach services, Telehealth services, and extended clinic hours. At Promise, we are proud to offer:

— Extended hours Monday through Thursday (8am-7 pm)
— Open Saturdays 8am to noon
— Telehealth
— Mental health appointments offered in local schools
— Promise accepts private insurance as well as Medicaid and Medicare and helps patients apply for our Sliding Fee Scale Program
— And more!

For more than 60 years, CHCs have been dedicated to making quality and affordable healthcare available to everyone in their communities, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Iowa’s CHCs continue to grow and serve their communities because when faced with emerging obstacles and challenges, CHCs are quick to adapt and innovate. These efforts are investments in healthier communities, and the results speak for themselves. Community health centers care for 14% of the U.S. population for just 1% of national health spending, and studies show that care delivered at a CHC costs $800 to $1,400 less per patient each year than comparable care somewhere else.

Innovation also means working together. Strong partnerships with community organizations, local leaders, schools, businesses, and elected officials help us address community needs more effectively. Sometimes the most powerful innovation is collaboration. At Promise, building innovative care where it matters most means building it right here in northwest Iowa. Our patients are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members. That connection strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable care.

Call 712-722-1700 to make your appointment today to see Promise Community Health Center’s innovative approach to healthcare.