River Hills Community Health Center

River Hills Community Health Center (RHCHC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established in 1999, operating as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Headquartered in Ottumwa, Iowa, RHCHC extends its services across an eight-county area in Southeastern Iowa, including Wapello, Appanoose, Keokuk, Jefferson, Mahaska, Davis, Monroe, and Van Buren counties, with some women's health services also reaching Lucas and Wayne counties. Their mission is "to improve the health outcomes of our patients by providing exceptional healthcare services." As an FQHC, RHCHC is mandated to provide comprehensive primary care and support services to underserved populations, serving all patients regardless of their immigration status, insurance coverage, or ability to pay. They offer a sliding fee scale based on family size and income, ensuring that essential healthcare is accessible even to those below the poverty level. A significant portion of their patient base falls within this demographic. RHCHC offers a wide range of services, including Family Practice, Pediatrics, Women's Health & Family Planning (including gynecology and STD screening), Behavioral Health (including individual, couple, and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction), and General Dentistry. They also provide school-based therapy and various preventive care services like immunizations and screenings. Beyond direct medical care, RHCHC focuses on a patient-centered approach, promoting equality, equity, and diversity in healthcare delivery. They accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance plans. The organization is governed by a patient-majority board, a key characteristic of FQHCs, which ensures that services are responsive to community needs. RHCHC is a crucial safety net provider, contributing significantly to the health and well-being of the communities it serves by reducing barriers to healthcare access. They are recognized for their financial accountability and transparency, holding a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.