A Little Paperwork Now Means Easier Care Later

By Ellie Anderson, DNP, FNP-BC

School-based health care is all about accessibility and convenience. You never know when an illness, injury, or health need will pop up during the school day. That’s why All Care’s Mobile Medical Clinic visits six schools in the Council Bluffs Community School District, five days a week.

Our mobile clinic helps students get care without leaving school. This can mean fewer missed class days, fewer parents needing to leave work, and faster care when it matters most.

Students can be seen for common concerns like:

• Primary Medical Care • Sick Visits

• Well-Checks • Vaccinations

• Medication Management

To make visits even smoother, we encourage families to enroll in school-based care in advance . When students are already enrolled, and consent it in place, our medical team can quickly address concerns, and get students back to class or home – without paperwork delays.

There are two easy ways to enroll:

• Complete the online enrollment form

• Fill out the paper form and return it to your school

Once enrolled, your student can use school-based care until they graduate or leave the district, giving families peace of mind all year long. Don’t wait. Enroll your student today.

At the start of 2026, Medicare updates continue to shape how people access care. Staying informed helps prevent confusion and avoid gaps in coverage.

One important reminder this time of year is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period. From January 1 through March 31, individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have a one-time opportunity to make a change. During this period, they may switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, with the option to add a Part D prescription drug plan. Any approved change typically takes effect on the first day of the month after the request is received. This enrollment period applies only to individuals currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Even for those who plan to keep their current coverage, this season is a good time to review plan details. Health needs can change, and so can coverage. Doctors may move in or out of network, prescription drug formularies may shift, and costs such as premiums, copays, or deductibles may be adjusted. Taking a few minutes to confirm these details can help prevent unexpected expenses and ensure continued access to trusted providers.

It is also important to encourage individuals to open and review any mail they receive from Medicare. Plan updates and required notices are often sent by mail, and responding promptly can help prevent missed deadlines or delays in coverage changes.



If questions come up—or if someone needs support navigating these changes—we’re here to help, ensure coverage continues without interruption. Call (712) 325-1990 to schedule an appointment with one of our enrollment specialists. 

By Jane Prine, LADC, IADC

Recovery isn’t meant to be done alone. Our Relapse Prevention Group offers a safe, confidential, and free space for individuals who are in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol—or who are ready to begin that journey. This group follows a 36-week evidence-based curriculum drawn from Seeking Safety and the Matrix Model, focusing on practical skills, emotional safety, and long-term sobriety. 

Meetings are on Wednesdays from 5:00–6:00 PM, either in person or virtually. The group is built around instilling Hope, strengthening coping skills, and providing consistent support and guidance. Whether you’re early in recovery or working to maintain it, you’ll find encouragement, understanding, and tools you can use in real life. 

You don’t have to do this alone—Hope starts here!

Join our Relapse Prevention Group by just showing up or joining via Zoom.

All Care Health Center joined community health centers from across Iowa, alongside the Iowa Primary Care Association, in Washington, D.C., for the National Association of Community Health Centers’ Policy & Issues Conference.

During the visit, health center leaders met with members of Iowa’s congressional delegation to discuss federal policies that directly impact patients and the stability of community health centers.

We thanked lawmakers for their support in passing funding increases for Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers, and the National Health Service Corps through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. These investments strengthen the healthcare workforce and help ensure continued access to care in communities like ours.

A key focus of our advocacy was protecting the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. We asked members of Congress to support H.R. 7391, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Jack Bergman and Jake Auchincloss. The bill would amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure Federally Qualified Health Centers are not required to pay more than the 340B ceiling price for covered outpatient drugs at the time of purchase. The legislation would protect health centers from paying higher upfront costs and preserve traditional 340B pricing protections.

Protecting 340B allows community health centers to stretch limited resources and reinvest savings into expanded services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Safeguarding the program’s original intent remains critical to supporting true safety-net providers and the patients they serve.

All Care Health Center remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen community health centers and protect access to affordable, high-quality care.

By Tracey Lustgraaf

A cell phone is more than a device—it’s connection, safety, and opportunity.

For many patients at All Care Health Center, access to a phone can mean hearing back about a job, staying in touch with loved ones, or calling for help when it matters most.

With recent policy changes, free government phones are no longer available—but SIM cards may still be an option for those who already have a phone. That’s where you come in. 

Donating your old cell phone can: 

✔ Help someone apply for jobs 

✔ Keep families connected 

✔ Provide a lifeline in emergencies 

✔ Connect Patients to Healthcare

Turn your unused phone into hope. 

Please consider donating and help someone stay connected while building a better future. 

Small gesture. Big impact. 

All Care Health Center will launch its phone donation program on February 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Pass It On: Phone Drive. Phones and charging cords can be donated by giving them directly to our community health worker, Tracey, or by placing them in the secure drop box in the lobby of All Care’s 902 S. 6th St. location.

Can’t make it on February 19? That’s okay—this is an ongoing project. All Care will accept phone donations year-round, using the same drop-off options.

Before donating, please remember to erase all personal information or reset your phone to factory settings.

By Tracey Lustgraaf

Quinn came to our Community Health Worker seeking assistance with basic resources during a time of need. One of the most pressing challenges he faced was not having a phone—something many of us rely on every day, but which had become a major barrier for Quinn. Without one, he was unable to apply for employment, receive updates, or stay connected with his family.

Thanks to a donated cell phone, our Community Health Worker, Tracey, was able to take the next step by applying on Quinn’s behalf through a government phone assistance program. A SIM card was secured, providing Quinn with free phone service for one year.

That single connection made a meaningful difference. With a working phone, Quinn was able to apply for jobs online, receive notifications about his applications, and keep track of interview schedules. Just as importantly, he was able to reconnect with family members he had not spoken to in quite some time—restoring a sense of belonging and emotional support. He was also able to stay in contact with his healthcare providers about updates to his care.

This experience is a powerful reminder that small acts of generosity can create lasting impact. Something as simple as donating an unused cell phone can open doors to employment, strengthen family connections, and provide peace of mind knowing help is within reach during an emergency. These moments of connection are how rebuilding begins—one opportunity at a time.

*Names have been changed for the patient's privacy.

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