The Community Health Center participates in and leads many activities throughout the year within the community. In addition to the annual events below we participate in many tabling events, speaking at clubs and organizations, walk in local parades and more to get the word out about our services to the communities we serve.
Make it OK – Mental Health Walk
Make it OK day is an initiative of Iowa’s Healthiest State. Each year in May we partner with local organizations to plan a lunch-time walk in both Fort Dodge and Mason City to bring awareness to mental health and help eliminate the stigma. In Fort Dodge the walk is held at the City Square by the public library and includes resources from CHC and other area local organizations on mental health. In Mason City the event is held in partnership with the Mason City Wellness Committee at Central Park in Mason City.
Back to School Block Parties
Each year in August during National Health Center Week we hold Back-to-School Block parties in both Fort Dodge and Mason City. These events are free and open to the public. During the block parties children heading back to school can receive free well child checks, immunizations and sports physicals. The afternoon/evening also includes a free meal, kid’s activities and information for families. We partner with many local organizations including Upper Des Moines Opportunity in Webster County and the United Way of North Central Iowa in Cerro Gordo County. Local businesses and organizations can get involved by having a table at the event or by donating goods, services or money to off-set the expense of the meal and activities.
Socks for the Sole
Held annually in July/August in the Fort Dodge area we partner with Shimkat Motor Company to collect new socks to distribute to kids before the start of the school year. Socks are given during our Back-to-School Block party. Donations of socks or monetary donations to this project are welcome.
Coats for Kids
The need for warm coats for kids during Iowa’s cold winters is large. This project collects new and gently used coats, boots, gloves, hats and snow pants for school age kids in Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities. This project started by Shimkat Motor Company has grown and so has the need for coats. Individuals, businesses and services organizations can get involved by donating winter items, monetary donations or being a drop-off site for items.
Slam the Stigma – Mental Health Awareness
Slam the Stigma was started in the fall of 2022 by the family of a student who died by suicide. The first event was held during basketball games played at Clarion Goldfield Dows vs Eagle Grove. Local resources for mental health and suicide awareness were invited to have a table for guests to visit and get information. Many resources in attendance felt the event was a wonderful way to reach students and parents and continued the concept by planning a Slam the Stigma night at FDSH during the same season. This group led by Community Health Center of Fort Dodge has grown and is working expand on what the family and Clarion Goldfield Dows school started.
For current information on these community projects visit us on Facebook.
As a 501c3 non-profit we hold a few fundraising events each year to raise money for items we have identified to help us provide better patient care along with raising funds to assist patients with costs. As a non-profit we welcome donations throughout the year.
Mason City Fundraiser
Held annually in the spring this fun evening features a dinner, entertainment and live and silent auction to raise funds for the health center. Funds are raised through event ticket sales, raffle ticket sales and through auctions at the event. Many local businesses support by being monetary sponsors, donating goods and services to the auction and by attending the event.
Live Healthy Iowa 5K
Held annually each spring in partnership with Live Health Iowa a portion of all registrations go to support Community Health Center’s Community Days fund which assists patients with costs for co-pays, transportation to appointments or other needs.
Fort Dodge Fundraiser
Held annually in the fall this fun evening called ‘Costumes and Comedy’ features a dinner, entertainment and live and silent auction to raise funds for the health center. Funds are raised through event ticket sales, raffle ticket sales and through auctions at the event. Many local businesses support by being monetary sponsors, donating goods and services to the auction and by attending the event.
Giving Tuesday
We hold an online fundraiser each year on Giving Tuesday which is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Funds raised through this initiative go to assist patients with co-pays, bus tokens and other needs that prevent them from getting needed health care. Community Health Center seeks any opportunity to help the betterment of our communities and that is why we choose to participate in Giving Tuesday. If you are willing or able to donate, please visit https://www.mygiving.net/campaign/CHC-GIVE.
For current information on these community projects visit us on Facebook.
