A Path Forward: Walking Beside Our Neighbors

This past month, the Council Bluffs Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Program (HOP)—led by the department’s Police Area Representatives (PAR Unit)—introduced a focused initiative called “A Path Forward.” The effort brings together local agencies to provide more hands-on, coordinated support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Through A Path Forward, officers and community partners—including All Care Health Center, shelters, and social service agencies—dedicated full days along the river and in local encampments to help individuals take meaningful steps toward stability.

The road to stability often begins with simple but vital actions, such as scheduling a doctor’s appointment or applying for health insurance. For individuals without stable housing, those steps can feel overwhelming. During this focused outreach, All Care’s team provided on-site care and scheduled follow-up medical and behavioral health appointments. Staff members helped individuals apply for Medicaid and other benefits, ensuring that care could continue beyond the initial encounter.

All Care Health Center’s Behavioral Health Director, Amanda McCormick, PMH-ARNP, joined the outreach team onsite to help meet behavioral health needs, restart medications, and provide follow-up care in collaboration with the police and other partners.

“We were able to start behavioral health medications for several patients. Working directly with the police team was very successful since they had a coordinated idea of where to find individuals for follow-up to deliver meds,” McCormick shared. “It was such a positive experience to feel as though we were all on the same team.”

Her team also shared overdose prevention information to promote safety and trust.

“Simply letting individuals know that our goal is safety over judgment allowed them to trust our motives,” McCormick added.

Beyond immediate services, A Path Forward has created powerful moments of reconnection and care. McCormick described reuniting with a patient she had not seen in several months after he moved into a wooded area. Getting him restarted on needed medications was both a clinical and personal success—a reminder of how persistence and compassion can make a difference.

Dr. McVea, MD, All Care’s Chief Medical Officer, participated in the outreach alongside other providers and reflected on the challenges faced by individuals trying to access healthcare while living unhoused.

“One of the things that struck me was how difficult and complicated it is to seek care when you are unhoused,” she said. “I cared for a gentleman who needed a colonoscopy, but he did not have access to a bathroom or running water, or a ride to the office.”

Dr. McVea described meeting another individual who had overcome alcohol addiction but was now unable to work due to a degenerative neurological condition.

“He was well-liked, kind, and respectful—and had been waiting years for stable housing. There were resources that could help him qualify for disability and move toward a better path. During this outreach, we were able to bring multiple community resources together at once. I made an appointment for him to receive follow-up testing to clarify his diagnosis, and he rode his bike across town the next day to see one of our clinicians. I’m really hopeful we can make a difference for him.”

Dr. McVea also met a woman who had been diagnosed with cancer and was struggling to survive without treatment or supportive care.

“It was meaningful to meet her where she was living and work with other organizations to figure out how to best help her,” she said. “It was a hard life, physically, and many people we met showed evidence of past frostbite.”

Dr. Glenn Hurst, MD, also participated in the outreach efforts and shared a thoughtful reflection on his experience and the need for sustained commitment:

“I participated in the second week of services. These camps were well-established neighborhoods, not temporary shelters. My takeaway was that our actions were a good start, but if they are not followed up with regular on-site presence of healthcare, or sudden availability of long-term housing, there is little long-term benefit that can be expected for each individual. I rode with one of the HOP officers who confirmed the same impression. I asked him if he felt this event was going to make an impact on the transition of these individuals to long-term housing, and his response was, no.

It was difficult to believe we were even making a significant impact for each person we met. There just was not enough long-term commitment to these individuals. One gentleman, who never leaves his camp and rarely leaves his tent, walked the long distance to our outpost and collapsed on the ground due to abdominal pain. He was taken by squad to the ER and released within 24 hours with a diagnosis of pneumonia. When I saw him in follow-up two days later, he was still in pain and frustrated that nothing had changed. The opportunity to truly serve this patient’s needs and establish a path to future health and wellness was lost.

Without a persistent presence in these neighborhoods and a coordinated effort to meet each individual’s needs, there will be little movement toward the goal of a housed life for all. I look forward to seeing the commitment of these team members to keep a consistent presence and to establish the trust needed to move people toward a safer life.”

While partners are already seeing positive results, the group continues to explore ways to sustain follow-up and maintain progress long after the month-long effort concludes. Local outreach advocates note that the initiative has strengthened collaboration and built new bridges between providers, officers, and community members.

All Care Health Center is proud to stand alongside the Council Bluffs Police Department’s PAR Unit and many other partners in this compassionate work. Together, we’re showing that small steps—taken side by side—can lead to lasting change.

*Last Photo Credit The Daily Nonpareil

This past Saturday, All Care Health Center’s Binational Health Fair brought the community together in celebration of health and connection, welcoming well over 75 participants through the doors.

With several new screenings offered this year, overall participation was up compared to previous years. It is our pleasure to facilitate early health insights and connect individuals to ongoing care and support, ensuring that prevention and wellness are within reach for everyone.

This year’s fair expanded its services to include free vision screenings and Hepatitis C testing, alongside diabetes screenings, clinical breast exams, blood pressure checks, STI screenings, and free flu shots. These no-cost services help community members take essential steps toward better health—especially for those who may face barriers to care.

Participants also had the opportunity to explore more than 25 vendor booths, featuring resources from organizations such as the Radio Talking Book Service, insurance assistance programs, and child and family support services. Each booth offered something unique, from practical tools to empowering information about healthy living and local resources.

An unexpected highlight of the event was the energy and collaboration among community partners. There was an audible buzz in the room as organizations exchanged ideas, shared resources, and even laid the groundwork for new collaborative programs. It was a powerful reminder that when the community comes together, partnerships form naturally—and change happens faster.

All Care staff and volunteers played an essential role, ensuring that every guest felt welcome and supported. Many visitors expressed their appreciation for the kindness and compassion shown throughout the day, noting that the fair made it easier to take that “first step” toward better health.

“Events like this remind us how much we can accomplish when healthcare, public service, and community come together,” shared one All Care staff member. “It’s not just about screenings—it’s about connection.”

Planning is already underway for next year’s event, and we’re committed to making it bigger, better, and even more impactful. Stay tuned—expect more screenings, more resources, and more opportunities for our community to come together in health and wellness.

This year’s Binational Health Fair is proudly sponsored by

All Care’s Community Impact Sponsors:

At All Care Health Center’s Community Health Celebration Picnic on October 3, the 2025 Spirit Award was presented to New Visions Homeless Services, reflecting both staff nominations and votes. The award was proudly accepted by Operations Director William Brown alongside Street Outreach Coordinator David, honoring the organization’s outstanding support for the health and well-being of our community.

Dr. Glenn Hurst’s nomination highlighted the critical ways New Visions advances All Care’s mission. From providing emergency housing without barriers—including for individuals with chemical dependency—to offering daily healthy meals and addressing nutritional needs. By hosting All Care services on-site, New Visions also removes barriers that limit access for vulnerable populations.

Beyond direct services, New Visions demonstrates unwavering advocacy and community support. They have championed public transportation improvements, coordinated seasonal warming and cooling centers, and arranged safe housing options during the COVID-19 crisis. Their commitment extends to addressing the whole individual through insurance enrollment, job training, and assistance with disability paperwork—empowering people to regain independence and stability. This Spirit Award celebrates their exceptional partnership and dedication to the community.

All Care Health Center invites patients to share their thoughts and experiences during upcoming focus groups held on Tuesday, October 22, at 902 South 6th Street in Council Bluffs. These conversations are an important opportunity to help shape future health and wellness initiatives in our community. There will be two sessions one in Spanish and one in English.

The focus groups are being hosted in partnership with The Wellbeing Partners and Pottawattamie County Public Health. Your feedback will help improve programs and services that support the health of our community.

As a thank-you for your time and insights, participants will receive a gift card. No registration is requested.

Your experiences make a difference—join the conversation and help guide the future of community health!

Meet Ellie Anderson, DNP, FNP-BC, the friendly face behind All Care’s School-Based Mobile Healthcare Clinic! Ellie brings high-quality care directly to students and families throughout Council Bluffs, helping make healthcare more accessible for everyone.

Ellie is passionate about breaking down barriers to care and ensuring every child has access to the medical support they need—no matter where they are. From routine checkups and vaccinations to managing chronic conditions, Ellie provides the same compassionate, comprehensive care you’d receive at any All Care Health Center location.

If you see the All Care Mobile Medical Clinic at your school, stop by and say hello! Ellie and the mobile team are here to make healthcare simple, supportive, and right where you need it.

Have questions about how to use the mobile medical clinic?

Check out this FAQ!

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