Serving your health needs has been our mission from day one
Our talented leadership team is here for you and your family
We are guided by highly respected members of our community
Take your career to new heights at Eastern Iowa Health Center
Protecting the privacy of all we serve is critical to our mission
In 2006, St. Luke’s Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, the Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation, the Community Health Free Clinic, Linn County Public Health and other local leaders came together to seek out a solution to a question and growing concern in our community. Far too often patients were visiting the emergency room with health problems that had reached a crisis level. Manageable conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure were now causing bigger, life-threatening problems.
The answer to the question of why this was happening in Cedar Rapids, IA was that low-income community members had no medical home. They had no one to make sure they were taking their medications and no one to ensure they had medical coverage and could access needed prescriptions. They were waiting to visit the doctor until there was no other choice.
The proposed solution was to develop a medical home in Cedar Rapids for our neighbors struggling in poverty. An application for a Federally Qualified Health Center with an emphasis on medical education and homeless services was submitted. Linn Community Care, now known today as the Eastern Iowa Health Center, was founded in 2008. In the first year, the center had roughly 11,000 patient visits.
In the early days, EIHC lived a bit of a nomadic existence. In 2009, due to growth in both patients and size, we moved the health center to 1201 3rd Avenue SE. Our growth has continued to flourish. In 2017 Eastern Iowa Health Center expanded to include three health centers:
In November of 2023, EIHC expanded our campus with our new dental facility which will allow us to provide needed services to nearly double our previous patients; we anticipate serving up to 25,000 patients this year. In 2024, we anticipate serving up to 65,000 individuals across our five lines of service: Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health (OB-GYN), Behavioral Health and Dental.
"The doctor made me feel comfortable right away. She took time to ask questions and listen to me." - Roy
The vision for Eastern Iowa Health Center was born from the unwavering commitment of a dedicated board of directors who recognized an urgent need for accessible healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured in our community.
Our community was faced with a challenge, many individuals seeking help in emergency rooms for health issues that could be addressed earlier. By recognizing the importance of early treatment, we could take the steps to manage our health before reaching crisis levels by giving Cedar Rapids residents a health care home.
Founded in 2008, this initiative emerged from collective passion of community members who sought to create a brighter future for those lacking essential health services. Evolving from the Linn Community Care Organization, Eastern Iowa Health Center stands as a beacon of hope and a model of compassion, proudly serving as one of the state’s federally qualified health centers.
Over the years, our center has embraced a approach to wellness, expanding our services to encompass comprehensive family practice, OB/GYN care, dental services, and behavioral health support. Each step we take is powered by a deep belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and we remain steadfast in our mission to uplift and empower those in our community who need it most. Together, we’re not just providing care; we’re fostering a healthier, more vibrant future for all.
2008 EIHC open’s as Linn Community Care with Family Medicine.
2009 Eastern Iowa Health Center opens Women’s Health & OB-GYN services.
2015 EIHC Pediatrics
2016 EIHC does a major renovation on 1201 .
2017 EIHC opens EIHC-Dental Center.
2017 EIHC Behavioral Health therapy services were added in 2018, including MAT services.
2023 $2 million new dental building, allowing expanded access.
2023 EIHC switches behavioral health model to tele-therapy.
2024 Tele-Psychiatry Pediatrics moved to a renovated, stand-alone building.
2025 Eastern Iowa Health Center launches their Pharmacy.
2025 In November Eastern Iowa Health Center launches their Urgent Care located inside the Pharmacy.
2026 Eastern Iowa Health Center launches Tele-Optometry Vision Center located on the second floor of dental.
