Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa to Open

Residents of Decatur County and surrounding areas have a new source of affordable health care as a result of the opening of the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa (CHCSI), a community medical and behavioral health practice that is funded in part by a Federal grant.  The purpose of the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa is to deliver high-quality primary and preventive medical and behavioral care to everyone in the Southern Iowa region regardless of ability to pay.

“This is the first rural community health center in Iowa,” Bill Morain, Chairperson of the Center Board of Directors, said.  “We are very proud that our region was chosen for this opportunity.” 

The CHCSI will open on April 1st with hours Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and eventually expand its hours to meet the needs of its patients.  The center is located adjacent to the Decatur County Hospital at 302 N.E. 14th Street (formerly the FOCUS Building) in Leon.  Sites for Lamoni are currently being considered.

“The center seeks to reduce health disparities in rural, medically underserved communities through appropriate primary and behavioral care, health education, and disease prevention activities that empower residents to take control of their own health,” Gary Rees, Chief Executive Officer of the center, explained.  “The center is more than a medical practice,” he added.  “It will offer significantly expanded services by developing collaborative relationships with Decatur County Hospital, Decatur County Public Health, and other health care providers in our area.”  Services offered by the CHCSI include:
“In addition to these services, Community Health Centers have an advantage of a low cost drug program through government purchasing that will benefit all its patients,” Morain said.  “We are currently working with local pharmacies to make this available.”

Dr. Patricia Magle, who for the past 21 years has practiced in Decatur County in general medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, college health, sports medicine, and emergency medical care at Decatur County Hospital, will serve as Medical Director.  She will continue to see patients, providing medical services as she has in the past.  Dr. Abelardo Cruz, formerly with Decatur County Hospital and the Leon Family Clinic will also provide physician services to the community through CHCSI.  Both will be supported by professional, clinical, and support staff with a vast background in medical practices.

“I have looked forward to the Community Health Centers becoming a reality for a long time,” Dr Magle said, “and now that it’s finally here, I am so excited about what we can do for both our current patients and those who need health care but haven’t been able to afford it.  The CHCSI makes so many wonderful things possible for our community.  We have already had many people inquire about when we are starting.”

 FOCUS behavioral health will become part of the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa and provide mental health expertise to the communities and residents of Southern Iowa as it has in the past.  Anchored by Mark Hensley, Nurse Practitioner, the FOCUS therapy staff of John Young and Dave Hook will also join the CHCSI.  “I look forward to working with a dedicated team that are truly focused on exploring mental and physical health to our current clients and any income group that previously could not afford services,” Mark Hensley said.  “There is a spirit of cooperation and adventure with the behavioral care team looking ahead to working together towards a positive goal,” he continued.

“A Grand Opening Celebration will take place June 12th in Leon and 13th in Lamoni and the community will be welcome to join us and enjoy entertainment, refreshments and prizes,” Rees said.  “In the meantime, patients can schedule a medical appointment by calling (641) 446-2383, or for a behavior care (FOCUS) appointment, they can call (641) 446-2271," he added.