For families in rural Iowa, getting to a doctor’s appointment can mean a long drive, a long wait — or both. For working parents, that can mean losing a day’s wages. For seniors without reliable transportation, it can mean putting off care altogether.
Back up: When MercyOne left Ottumwa back in January, families across Wapello County faced exactly that reality.
But just a few months later, River Hills Community Health Center stepped in to meet the community needs — opening a new family practice clinic staffed by many of the same trusted providers and offering primary care, women’s health, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services under one coordinated network.
This week, I joined River Hills CEO Joy Alexander for a tour of the new clinic and a conversation about the work still ahead to keep quality care close to home across rural Iowa. ⬇️
The community-driven model River Hills is building is exactly the kind of care we backed with federal investment — including securing $209 million for rural health care in Iowa and leading bipartisan efforts to train more doctors and nurses for clinics just like this one.
Why it matters: Families in Ottumwa still see the same trusted providers, get wraparound care under one roof, and can book an appointment within a week. River Hills is already providing cancer screenings, mammograms, and routine labs — the kind of services that catch health problems early before they become emergencies. That’s what keeping rural clinics open and staffed actually means for Iowa families.
Bottom Line: In Ottumwa, the story didn’t end with a clinic closing. It became a story about a community stepping up, opening new doors, and making sure families can still access the care they need close to home. We’ll keep fighting to make that possible for more communities across rural Iowa.