CMCA – Community Health Center of Central Missouri Partnership Highlight

Post written by Courtney Kohler, Missouri CAN Program Director

Community Action brings together like-minded organizations to address needs in the community.  Issues such as health and poverty correlate—impacting life expectancy and access to healthcare.  To curb these issues, partnerships between Community Action Agencies and local health centers are vital.  Below is one partnership that is impacting the community in a positive way toward better health outcomes:       

Community Health Center of Central Missouri

Community Health Center (CHC) has been an asset to the families at Central Missouri Community Action’s (CMCA) Cole East Head Start.  CHC is comprehensive program as they offer mental health, oral health, adult health, and pediatric services.  In addition, they have a benefits specialist to work with families that are needing help navigating the process of applying for Medicaid.

A few years ago CHC responded to an oral health need and began providing dental screenings on site for Head Start students.  In the 2015-2016 school year, they offered full dental exams on site.  CHC dental staff bring all of their equipment and the kids get an exam just as they would in the clinic.  This has been a huge help to Head Start families and the children enjoy it.

Last year was CMCA’s first annual Cole County Back to School Fair.  CHC played a significant role in the event.  They had a benefits specialist available to answer insurance-related questions, provided dental screenings for nearly 150 students K-12, and conducted lice checks for kids.  A pediatrician, Dr. Howe, was also there visiting with families, discussing wellness, and doing growth screenings.  CHC is partnering with CMCA once again for the second annual fair on August 12.