The Issue of Access: Celebrated at All Care

I recently completed my annual well-check (not a bad thing to check off early in the year). During my appointment, I asked my provider if it would be beneficial to see a thyroid specialist—an endocrinologist. He agreed and sent in the referral.

Today, January 30, I received a call from the endocrinologist’s office to schedule my appointment. The first available slot? Monday, August 4.

I burst out laughing. Uncontrollably. And I kept laughing. I know that’s probably not a normal reaction, but for someone who works with a team daily to expand healthcare access—and is so proud of what we’ve built at All Care—I lost my composure. I laughed throughout the phone call, accepted the appointment, and will look for other options.

No, All Care does not have an endocrinologist on staff. But what we do have is access to healthcare, and we’re proud to offer that to our patients—new and returning. We have same-day appointments available every day. And if you need to book in advance, chances are you’ll be seen within a week or so. Challenges still exist in dental, but access is improving little by little, and the work continues.

Expanding access has been central to our work. We’ve added more providers, more appointment slots, Saturday services, and new services. We provide mobile healthcare and behavioral healthcare at local schools. We’ve increased transportation options, delivering prescriptions to patient doors, and we are speaking or accessing more languages. And, as always, we continue to see every patient—regardless of their ability to pay.

Our work is not done. We know that access is an issue in our community, and we are doing our best to create access for all – absolutely everyone – through our commitment to breaking down barriers.

Because no one should have to wait six months to see a doctor.

At All Care, access remains our highest priority.

February is School-Based

Healthcare Awareness Month

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, but many face barriers that limit access to essential healthcare services. Busy family schedules, high healthcare costs, lack of insurance, language barriers, and transportation challenges often prevent local children from getting the necessary care. Without accessible healthcare, students may struggle with their physical and emotional well-being, which can affect their ability to learn, grow, and succeed.

School-based healthcare provides a solution. By delivering medical and behavioral health services directly at schools, students can receive the care they need—where they spend most of their day. When these services are provided by a community health center like All Care, barriers such as high costs, lack of insurance, language differences, and transportation challenges are eliminated, ensuring every child has access to essential care. Integrating healthcare into the school setting, we help children stay healthy, engaged, and ready to reach their full potential.

Recognizing the critical need for accessible healthcare, All Care Health Center and the Council Bluffs Community School District began discussions in early 2021, leading to a partnership focused on keeping students healthy. What started with primary care services at Thomas Jefferson High School has grown to include six school sites during the academic year and ten locations throughout the community, last summer. Want to know where All Care’s Mobile Medical Clinic is today? Check our schedule here on our website.

This fall, All Care expanded school-based services to include behavioral health, first at Thomas Jefferson High School and now at Kirn Middle School, further strengthening student access to behavioral health support.

During School-Based Healthcare Awareness Month, you can help us ensure more families know about these vital services!

✅ Share our posts on social media to raise awareness.

✅ Tell families in your community that healthcare is available at school.

✅ Spread the word to your clients about these accessible services.

✅ Advocate for school-based healthcare—email ssteele@allcarehealthcenter.org for resources.

Together, we can help every child access the care they need to stay healthy and succeed.

All Care Health Center is inviting patients to take part in a series of quarterly Patient Focus Groups throughout the year, with the first session scheduled for February 24. Focus groups will be available in both English and Spanish to accommodate participants' language preferences.

Focus Groups provide a valuable opportunity for patients to share their experiences directly with All Care’s leadership—what they appreciate, what could be improved, and what services they feel are still needed in the community. Leadership is also eager to hear patients’ thoughts on the future of healthcare—their concerns, hopes, and what excites them about upcoming changes.

Patient feedback is invaluable and will play a direct role in shaping All Care’s 2025 strategic planning efforts.

Space is limited. Patients are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot. The deadline to sign up is February 17, or until all spots are filled.

Every patient's health journey at All Care Health Center is an opportunity to give meaningful care. Jazmine, a Health Navigator at All Care, recently shared an inspiring example of how her role—working alongside our providers—helps patients to overcome challenges and achieve stability in their care plans. 

"Annie* is a patient I see frequently, known for her lively personality and great sense of humor. So, I was surprised when she arrived for a visit looking sullen and withdrawn. After a warm greeting, I gently asked how she was doing. That’s when she confided in me—showering and bathing had recently become difficult, and it was making her feel frustrated and upset.

I encouraged her to bring this up with her provider at her next visit. She thanked me for listening and promised she would. Wanting to ensure she got the help she needed, I also relayed her concerns to her provider. The provider immediately agreed that a shower chair would make a difference for her.

Without delay, I completed the necessary order form and sent it to the durable medical equipment company that same day. This turned out to be one of the quickest orders I’ve facilitated—within a very short time, Annie received her shower chair at no cost to her – no copay!

At her next visit, she was back to her usual, cheerful self. She couldn’t stop expressing her gratitude—not just for the chair, but for how quickly and smoothly the process unfolded. That moment reminded me why I love what I do."

*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy.

Jazmine’s role as a Health Navigator is part of All Care’s partnership with Main Street Health, but to patients, she’s a trusted and welcoming presence on our team. By building strong relationships, she helps patients navigate the complexities of healthcare with compassion and expertise, ensuring they receive the care they need—when they need it.

This story is a powerful reminder that relationships are the foundation of effective communication, breaking down barriers to care. Jazmine’s dedication to her patients reflects the heart of All Care’s mission: meeting everyone where they are and ensuring their needs are met with dignity and efficiency.

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