Mercy Iowa City - Iowa Healthy Kids Community Care

Overview

Healthy Kids Community Care is a community collaboration formed in December 2007 for children who do not have access to health care. Two clinic sites are currently available at two Iowa City schools. The clinics provide free services to children in the school district and surrounding school districts, as well as their younger siblings. Mercy Iowa City helped make this project possible by pledging $100,000 per year over five years, for a total of $500,000.

Impact

Although many factors affect attendance and academic success, we are seeing that many students served in the clinic have improved school attendance and improved academic performance. The district’s immunization rates have greatly improved. Anecdotal feedback is very positive—teachers share that students referred to the clinic with obvious health concerns receive medical care in a timely manner, thus improving health status and ability to learn. Parents report that they like the clinic because the staff are so friendly, respectful, and helpful. Spanish-speaking families appreciate being able to speak to the clinic coordinator and pediatrician without requiring translation.

Challenges/success factors

Challenges include getting the word out to school staff, families, and students about the services. After five years, the majority of school staff are aware of the clinic and how to refer parents and students. Once families have been to the clinic and understand the available services, they then feel confident in the services and will promote the clinic to others. The other challenge has been finding affordable specialty health care for uninsured children who need services beyond what the clinic can provide. Fortunately, the clinic staff and clinic supporters have been successful in finding free or reduced-cost care from community specialty providers; for example an ENT doctor performed a tonsillectomy surgery at no charge.

Future direction/sustainability

Thanks to Mercy Iowa City, an endowment fund has been established, providing 5 percent of endowment funds per year toward operational expenses. With ongoing fundraising, the goal is to build this endowment so that the clinic can be self-supporting. In the meantime, United Way has contributed $35,000 to $59,000 annually for operating expenses. Other donations and grants have also funded operations. The clinic is currently held two days per week; the plan is to continue this schedule. The goal would be to eventually offer services more days or half days each week.

Advice to others

Assess the need and get “buy-in” from all stakeholders.

Contact:  Tim Ahlers
Vice President of Marketing and Business Development
Telephone: 319-688-7340
E-mail: tim.ahlers@mercyic.org