All of Us

All Care Health Center will host the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Journey, a traveling, interactive exhibit designed to raise awareness about the groundbreaking All of Us Research Program. The exhibit will be open to the public from September 17–20 at All Care Health Center, located at 902 S. 6th Street, Council Bluffs.

The All of Us Research Program, a pivotal initiative of the National Institutes of Health, is dedicated to revolutionizing health research by building one of history's largest and most diverse health databases. With the goal of enrolling over one million participants from various backgrounds, the program seeks to deepen our understanding of why people get sick or stay healthy and what makes each person unique. This extensive data collection is vital for developing better ways to prevent and treat diseases, especially among groups historically underrepresented in health research.

By participating in the All of Us Research Program, community members can contribute to ensuring that future medical discoveries are inclusive and beneficial to everyone. Participants will be asked to share health and lifestyle information, including their environment, life experiences, and family health history. The program welcomes individuals from all walks of life—whether healthy or sick—creating a resource that will inform thousands of studies across a broad spectrum of health conditions. These efforts could lead to medical advancements that improve health for future generations.

The All of Us Journey exhibit offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the program through various interactive experiences. The exhibit features an augmented reality experience, an interactive station where participants can share their reasons for joining the program, and private rooms for physical measurements and biosample collection. Visitors can sign up on-site, complete surveys, connect electronic health records and wearable devices, and provide blood, urine, and saliva biosamples.

Participants also have the option to receive personalized information from their biosamples, including insights into genetic ancestry and traits, risks for hereditary diseases, and how their bodies might react to certain medications.

The All of Us Journey engages communities nationwide and is excited to collaborate with All Care Health Center to bring this innovative health research opportunity to the Council Bluffs community.

To learn more and enroll in the All of Us Research Program, visit JoinAllofUs.org/drive. Once enrolled, participants can schedule an appointment to conveniently provide biosamples at the All of Us Journey at All Care Health Center by calling (833) 990-0200. No participation is required to attend the exhibit; everyone is welcome to visit, learn more, and enjoy food trucks on-site during the exhibit.

Dr. Kristine McVea Begins New Leadership Role as Chief Medical Officer

All Care Health Center proudly welcomes Dr. Kristine McVea, M.D., as our new Chief Medical Officer. With over twenty-five years of leadership in medicine, Dr. McVea is set to lead All Care's medical team in advancing patient outcomes.

Dr. McVea began her academic journey at Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. She then pursued her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Following her medical degree, she completed five years of residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine, and a Primary Care Research Fellowship. She also earned a Master's in Public Health in Epidemiology from the UNC School of Public Health.

Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Preventive Medicine, Dr. McVea has spent most of her distinguished career serving the Omaha metro community's medically underserved and ethnically diverse populations while also contributing through extensive community service and teaching.  

All Care Health Center is honored to welcome Dr. Kristine McVea to her new medical home and to share her talents with the Council Bluffs community.

With over twenty years of experience in the Omaha metro area, Michelle Christensen, P.A., brings her expertise and leadership to All Care Health Center as the Associate Medical Director. She also expands access to healthcare in her role as a Physician Assistant. Michelle earned her Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Throughout her career, she has provided care to patients in internal medicine, family medicine, interventional radiology, and pulmonary and sleep disorders, working in outpatient, urgent care, and hospital settings.

Michelle is excited to build long-term relationships with her patients at All Care Health Center. She is dedicated to delivering personalized care tailored to individual needs and promoting overall wellness. Additionally, Michelle is skilled in performing clinic-based surgical procedures, making her a valuable resource for her patients. She welcomes new patients.

All Care Health Center is delighted to welcome Dr. Fionna Gov to our community. Dr. Gov earned her doctorate in dentistry from the University of Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. She has practiced in Texas, Florida, and California and now calls the Midwest her home.

In her most recent role, Dr. Gov provided dental exams to military personnel, ensuring their readiness for active duty. Her expertise extends beyond adult dentistry to include children's dental care. She strongly advocates oral education as a key component of preventive care, focusing on effective brushing techniques, diet, and overall nutrition to prevent tooth decay.

Dr. Gov is well-equipped to deliver a comprehensive range of dental services, including thorough care and treatment plans, restorations, extractions, and more, all while remaining sensitive to the importance of managing oral pain.

All Care Health Center's mobile medical clinic is back in action at Council Bluffs Community School District sites, offering essential health services directly to students, their families, school staff, and the community.

This year, we've expanded our reach to include Carter Lake Elementary and its surrounding community while continuing to serve Thomas Jefferson High School, Abraham Lincoln High School, Kirn Middle School, Wilson Middle School, and the Kanesville Learning Center. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay.

This expansion allows All Care to serve a broader community with vital healthcare services, including immunizations, physical exams, and acute care, right at the schools. By bringing healthcare directly to the school sites, we help ease the burden of fitting appointments into busy schedules, making it easier for students and families to maintain good health throughout the school year.

We aim to support the whole student, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in and out of the classroom. We're proud to partner with the Council Bluffs Community School District to offer this valuable resource to families and the broader community.

Parents and guardians can schedule appointments for their children directly with All Care Health Center by calling (712) 325-1990. Our mobile clinic visits school sites on a rotating schedule, and we're committed to making healthcare as accessible as possible. The daily schedule can be found at www.allcarehealthcenter.org.

With the start of the school year, All Care has expanded its school-based services to include behavioral healthcare at Thomas Jefferson High School. These services will be coordinated with families through the support of Keri Zimmer, the district's Coordinator of Social and Emotional Wellness. All Care aims to extend behavioral health services to other Council Bluffs Community School District locations as the year progresses.

All Care Health Center is proud to partner with over 30 local and regional community organizations to present the Binational Health Fair, a free event focused on promoting health and wellness for Latino individuals and families in our community. The event will occur on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM at All Care Health Center at 902 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA.

The Binational Health Fair is a part of the nationwide Binational Health Week that has become one of the largest mobilization efforts to improve the health and well-being of Latinos. It is designed to provide attendees with essential health services and information while addressing cultural or language barriers. Through partnerships, services offered at the fair will include free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol; free flu shots; stroke assessments; clinical breast exams; behavioral health resources; nutrition and preventative care resources; and more – even an on-site food pantry in both Spanish and English. This event brings together healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates to provide a comprehensive approach to health, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to lead healthier lives.

"We are honored to collaborate with such a strong network of community partners to bring this health fair to life," said Joel Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of All Care Health Center. "Our goal is to increase access to vital health services for everyone in our community. This event is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of the residents of Council Bluffs and the surrounding areas."

The event will also feature live entertainment by Radio Lobo, numerous giveaways, and a chance to win prizes. Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers will be available to assist attendees throughout the event, ensuring everyone feels welcome and informed. A special thanks to Radio Lobo and the Human Services Advisory Council for sponsoring this year

Check out what's coming to All Care!

Red Cross Blood Drive

September 20th

The national blood supply has dropped by more than 25% since July 1, leaving the American Red Cross needing donations. The Red Cross is working tirelessly with hospitals to meet the blood needs of patients, but they can’t do it alone. Donors like you are needed to help provide this lifesaving care.

All Care invites you to make a difference by donating blood at the blood drive on September 20. The drive will be held at our location at 902 S. 6th Street in Council Bluffs.

The donation process is straightforward and typically takes about an hour from start to finish. Please visit Red Cross Blood Drive for more information or to schedule your appointment.

Farmers Market Council Bluffs

Ends Thursday, September 26th

As summer winds down, this will be the final month of the farmers market season, which wraps up on September 26. All Care Health Center will continue to offer Farmers Market Bucks for the abundance of fresh food available at the market. 

Be sure to stop by the All Care booth to pick up the mobile medical clinic schedule, learn more about our sliding fee scale, or gather information to help you access the healthcare services you need. Stephanie and the rest of our team will be there to answer your questions at the Farmers Market Council Bluffs!

You can also stop by and visit Bennie & Jett. Kids love to give Bennie & Jett check-ups and help fix what's wrong during the FMCB. On National Teddy Bear Day, September 9, Bennie explores the different All Care departments. Check out Bennie's All Care adventures on Facebook!

For ongoing updates, events, shout-outs, and celebrations, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Please share with others who can benefit from our mission of affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality healthcare for the entire community.