Joel Dougherty is joining All Care Health Center as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on October 23. Joel brings eighteen years of community health experience to All Care Health Center gained through both Chief Operating Officer and IT/Facilities leadership at OneWorld Community Health Center in Omaha. 

“I am excited to join the high-quality team already in place at All Care and to help the team grow to meet the growing need for high-quality, affordable health care in Council Bluffs and all of Southwest Iowa,” states Dougherty. 

The new CEO aims to expand access to the already high-quality, affordable health care provided by All Care while reducing health disparities among our patient population and the community. Joel is excited to continue growing the community awareness of All Care as a fantastic place to receive care and work.

Throughout the metro, Joel provides leadership within multiple service organizations that aim to promote health equity. Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa leaders will notice that Joel is a solution-focused, creative, and flexible community partner. Under this broad community leadership, Joel will be keeping an open mind for ideas to improve access to high-quality, affordable health care.

Joel studied Healthcare Administration at Bellevue University. In 2011, Joel was honored in Midland’s Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, a list of young professionals considered influential leaders in their respective fields. When not working, Joel enjoys cooking, scuba diving, and animals of all shapes and sizes. All Care is excited to welcome Joel Dougherty to the team.  

Mark Your Calendars for the Binational Health Fair

Binational Health Week is an annual event to raise awareness and respond to the unique healthcare challenges of Latinos living in the United States, Canada, and, more importantly, our community. During Binational Health Week, government agencies and community-based organizations come together to promote health services and education activities. 

Our local Binational Health Fair will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Iowa West Field House at 5 Arena Way in Council Bluffs. The event features a collection of resources available to anyone seeking healthy resources in our community. Collaborative event partners include Care for Yourself; CHI Health-Bergan Mercy; Food Bank for the Heartland; Jennie Edmundson; Pottawattamie County Public Health; Nebraska Methodist College; Catholic Charities; Alzheimer’s Association; Connections Area Agency on Aging; Every Step Hospice; Bridges Out of Poverty; Planned Parenthood; Pottawattamie County WIC Program; Radio Talking Book Services; Iowa Legal Aid; Angels Care Home Health; NAMI; Home Care Advocacy Network, St. Croix Hospice, and other agencies still to be confirmed. 

The annual Binational Health Fair will have a new look as All Care Health Center hosts the event at the Iowa West Field House. This new venue was secured after feedback that the event was outgrowing the space available at All Care. Venue funding assistance was provided by The Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), which seeks to synergize the efforts of non-profit organizations in and around Council Bluffs to maximize their impact and help improve the lives of the people in the community. We are excited to host the event in the new location and look forward to increasing attendance.  

Trick or Treat at All Care & Schedule Well-Check

Bring your costumed kids to All Care’s 902 S. 6th St. clinic from 9am to 4pm or the Florence M. Lakin Health Center from 1pm to 4pm on October 31 to Trick or Treat! Your kids will be greeted with a treat. 

While your children are Trick or Treating, take a moment to schedule a well-check for each of your kids and an annual exam for yourself. Through our partnership with Raise Me to Read, All Care “prescribes” books for children to take home after completing their well-check at our main clinic. In addition, your child will be invited to select clothing from the All Care Kids’ Closet. Parents can take home diapers, too. All Care loves taking care of your kids. 

A well-check (or well-child visit) will include weight, height, general health, and vaccination updates at 6 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 30 months, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years of age. Schedule your child’s appointment, today at 712-325-1990! 

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Get your flu shot today!

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Symptoms commonly include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms can start suddenly and can become severe, leading to complications such as pneumonia. In addition to these common symptoms, the flu can also affect us mentally, causing confusion, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, irritability, and anxiety. 

A flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu; the vaccine is updated yearly to protect against flu strains most expected to circulate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months and older in the United States, with few exceptions. 

Flu vaccines have arrived at All Care Health Center. The arrival of high-dose vaccines for seniors is delayed, making these vaccines unavailable at this time. To receive a flu shot, request one during your regularly scheduled appointment or walk into our pharmacy. Other prevention methods include good hygiene and avoidance of crowds during flu season. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active, all boost the immune system, helping to prevent the onset of flu.  

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling. Healthcare Keeps on Rolling.

All Care Health Center’s mobile healthcare clinic continues to seek the greatest student health needs with Council Bluffs Community School District leadership and health teams. This past month, All Care has hosted immunization clinics for students who need to be up-to-date with vaccines to stay in school. All Care has also hosted sports physical clinics to help students joining the next season of Yellow Jacket and Lynx Athletics. Appointments remain available for day-to-day student and staff primary healthcare and medication management needs. To schedule, new and established patients should call 712-325-1990.

Lakin Campus Dental Care Paused

While our Florence M. Lakin Medical Center continues robust primary medical care scheduling, our dental services are now paused at this location while All Care seeks a dentist to fulfill this needed community neighborhood role. Services will resume once they fill this position. 

Olivia Woita, ARNP, FNP-C, provides primary medical care on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00am-5:00pm and Tuesdays from 1:00pm-5:00pm at the Florence M. Lakin Health Center. The health center is at 1415 Avenue J on the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus.

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