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Community Health Center HistoryThe Community Health Center of Fort Dodge (CHCFD) opened its doors on April 17, 2006 after receiving federal funding to become a Federally Qualified Health Center under the United States Health and Human Services Administration (HRSA) and the regulations of the Bureau of Primary Health Care. The new organization was incorporated in January of 2004 and took over operation of the Fort Dodge Free Clinic while waiting for the federal funding. The first year of operations for the CHCFD proved to be a transition year, moving from the very limited volunteer operation of only 12 hours per month to a fully functional medical clinic open 42 hours per week. Under the Federal Laws of Section 330a the CHCFD entered into an environment of regulations and rules. One such rule is services of the CHCFD could no longer be provided free to the public by volunteers. However, individuals whose income and household size qualify them within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are provided a discount on services of up to 90% with a minimum fee of $15.00 for medical visits. The dental clinic has not opened; however, plans are underway to provide these services.
During this time Senator Tom Harkin, a Community Health Center Champion in Washington, visited the Free Clinics. He saw first hand how limited the facility was while providing much needed medical and dental care and suggested that the group apply for 501(c)(3) status and attempt to receive the Section 330 Community Health Center funding. The group heeded his words and wrote their first grant proposal in 2004. This first project was not funded; however, it was recognized by HRSA as a promising venture and the group was urged to try again with revision. The proposal was re-worked with HRSA's guidance and awarded funding for a 3 year project in the 2006 grant cycle. The first year of funding was $643,500, the second $544,500 and the third $519,000. After the three year start up, the CHCFD presented another two five-year grant proposal for $524,000 each year to continue operations. Every two years the organization must meet their goals and continue to submit proposals to obtain the funding that is earmarked within the Health and Human Services federal budget. Community Health Centers receive bi-partisan support in Washington and are touted as one of the most successful federally funded project. The goal of the CHCFD is to continue to grow its funding and capacity in order to provide a safety net for the growing population of individuals who are uninsured or underinsured in the Webster County and neighboring area.
Links of InterestIowa Nebraska Primary Care Association - www.ianepca.com National Association of Community Health Centers - www.nachc.com |
At the end of February, 2005 the Free Clinics of Fort Dodge closed their doors after over 5 years of operations that began in 1999 when a group of church leaders, healthcare professionals and citizen advocates recognized a need, came together, and developed a plan that provided access to free medical and dental care in Fort Dodge. The first clinic opened in Calvary Memorial Church of God in Christ and a second site opened in January 2000 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The clinics were staffed with volunteer physicians, dentists, mid-level practitioners, nurses and dental assistants and relied on donations from the community members to pay for supplies and prescription drugs. The clinics were very limited in their capacity, medical equipment and funding. Coordination of the volunteers also became a daunting task with several clinic nights canceled due to lack of volunteer staff.
