Iowa Primary Care Association

05/30/2026

The Iowa Primary Care Association has been selected by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to serve as the statewide Communities of Care Technical Assistance Provider as part of Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Project and the Healthy Hometowns initiative.

"Rural communities deserve care that is coordinated, accessible, and built around the realities of daily life. Communities of Care is about making it easier for Iowans to get the right support in the right place—in one location—so fewer people fall through the cracks."
— Aaron Todd, Iowa PCA CEO

Through this work, the Iowa PCA will provide training, tools, and implementation support to help rural Iowa providers and community organizations develop sustainable co-located Communities of Care.

Learn more here:

The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) has been selected by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) to serve as the statewide Communities of Care Technical Assistance Provider as part of Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Project and the Healthy Hometowns initiative. Thr

05/29/2026

Our Communities of Care Co-Location and Hometown Connections School-Based Services Technical Assistance (TA) trainings are available now and open to the public!

These free sessions will help your organization prepare for upcoming Iowa HHS funding opportunities focused on improving access to coordinated care in rural communities.

Upcoming in-person training sessions will be held in:
• Osceola – Thursday, June 4
• DeWitt – Friday, June 5

👉 Register and learn more about future trainings across the state:
https://www.iowapca.org/healthyhometownsiowa

Help us spread the word and expand access to care across rural Iowa!

05/28/2026

📣 Annual conference theme reveal! 📣
We're excited to announce the 2026 Iowa Community Health Conference theme: "Future Forward: Community Health for a New Era!"

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, driven by new technologies, workforce challenges, and evolving patient needs, Iowa’s community health centers are poised to shape the path forward, building on years of trusted, high-quality care. This year's conference will bring attendees together from across Iowa to explore how thoughtful innovation can power the future of community health.

Mark your calendars and join us on October 13-15 at the Iowa Events Center! 🗓️

Registration will open in July. Learn more about the conference and sponsorship opportunities here: https://www.iowacommunityhealthconference.org/

05/27/2026

Don’t miss the Hometown Connections School-Based Services kickoff webinar Thursday, May 28 from 12–1 p.m.

✅ Discover what Hometown Connections School-Based services is
✅ Explore upcoming state funding opportunities
✅ Learn what providers, schools, and partners can expect next
✅ Get training, tools and support

👉 Register now:
https://www.iowapca.org/healthyhometownsiowa

05/26/2026

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing real examples of how System Navigators help Iowans access mental health support.

Recently, a telehealth organization contacted our System Navigation team after a parent shared concerns about their child’s behavior and mental health.

A System Navigator connected the family to Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS), psychological testing, community resources, and a Child Mental Health Wraparound program. They then successfully assisted the family in applying for a Child Mental Health Wraparound program. These services are now in place, and the child is receiving the needed care.

Connection to support and resources is just one call away. Call 515-505-8988 to connect with an Iowa PCA System Navigator today.

05/22/2026

Last week, members of the Iowa Primary Care Association team attended the OCHIN, Inc. Learning Forum! The team connected with healthcare leaders and partners from across the country to share ideas, collaborate, and explore ways to strengthen communities and improve care.

We’re proud to be part of these important conversations and inspired by the ideas, partnerships, and innovation shared throughout the conference.

05/21/2026

Join us for the kickoff webinar for Hometown Connections School-Based services in Iowa, as part of the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program efforts. The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) will share training, tools, and support to help communities plan this work.

🗓 When: Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
👥 Who: Open to the public

During the webinar, you’ll learn:
• About Hometown Connections School-Based services
• How this project connects to upcoming state funding opportunities
• What providers, schools, and partners can expect next
• How rural organizations can stay involved

👉 Register Today: https://www.iowapca.org/healthyhometownsiowa

05/20/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our System Navigation team connects Iowans to support and resources for social needs that impact health and well-being—including behavioral health. This month, we’re sharing real examples of how System Navigators support Iowans seeking mental health resources, like the story below.

A staff member from a local aging and disability organization reached out to our System Navigation team for help securing transportation for a client’s mental health appointment.

A System Navigator not only arranged the ride but also partnered with a local church coalition to cover the cost, removing another barrier to care for the patient.

If you or a loved one need similar support or resources, call 515-505-8988 to connect with a System Navigator today.

05/19/2026

Missed the live session or want to revisit the conversation? The recording from our May 15 Communities of Care Co-Location kickoff webinar is now available!

Learn more about Iowa’s new Communities of Care Co-Location Project, part of the Rural Health Transformation Program and Healthy Hometowns initiative and explore how providers and community partners can coordinate care, so it is closer to home for Iowans.

🎥 Watch the recording here:
https://www.iowapca.org/healthyhometownsiowa

In this session, you’ll discover:
• What Communities of Care Co-Location is and why it matters for rural Iowa
• How the project aligns with upcoming funding opportunities
• What providers and partners can expect next
• Ways organizations can stay involved

Whether you joined us live or are just getting started, this is a great opportunity to learn more and engage in strengthening access to care across Iowa.

🔁 Share with colleagues working to strengthen rural health across Iowa.

05/18/2026

A few of our team members participated in Bike to Work Day last week! 🚴 It was a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather, connect with co-workers, and add some extra movement to the workday. Great job to everyone who rode along!