MISSOURI HIGHLANDS HEALTH CARE

A Rich History . . . A Brighter Future

              The terms ‘health professional shortage area’ and ‘medically underserved’ have a unique and special connotation in rural areas.  Oftentimes it takes hours to travel by car to the big city, and the roadways are two-lane and narrow.  In the majority of these isolated areas, the number of clinicians and organizations is insufficient to adequately serve local residents; therefore, the importance of community health centers and other safety net providers is magnified.

              Missouri Highlands Health Care is one of those community health centers serving rural Missouri.  From its central location in Ellington (Reynolds County), the highway distance to the nearest secondary hospital facility is 60 miles, and more than 100 miles to the nearest metropolitan area.  Only one hospital, a very small, critical access hospital, is located within the service area.

              Formed in Carter County in 1980, MHHC is today a provider of comprehensive primary care and preventive services within the counties of Carter, Reynolds, Shannon and Iron.  These counties are located in the southern region of Missouri, approximately 60 miles west/northwest of Poplar Bluff, and 80 miles east/northeast of West Plains.  Clear streams, lakes and beautiful scenery abound, yet much of the area is distressed economically.  A high percentage of residents are underinsured or uninsured.

MHHC’s medical clinics include the Big Springs Medical Clinic in Van Buren (Carter); Ellington Family Clinic (Reynolds); Annapolis Family Clinic (Iron); Shannon County Family Clinic in Eminence (Shannon); and the Ironton Medical Clinic (Iron).  MHHC also operates the Big Springs Dental Clinic, located in Ellington.

The board, medical staff and management of MHHC have recently redirected their perspectives, changing direction a bit concerning the priorities.  They surely understand that when the general public pictures the services of a clinic, we usually think about a visit with a doctor or other qualified provider, the most common outpatient activity.  The accountability is broader, however, especially when an organization’s stated mission includes its attention toward community health improvement.  A vital part of MHHC’s mission is to promote healthy behaviors.

MHHC is actively involved to lead and participate in various community coalitions to address these important issues.  Planning and implementation activities are now underway to collaborate with schools, local health departments, faith-based organizations, EMS providers, and others.  The overarching goal is to work together and fill the gaps in service and education, understanding that the task of health services delivery along the continuum is far too great for any single organization to accomplish, particularly in these financially-constrained times.  Initial emphasis is being placed on local EMS training and equipment needs, and on the growing incidence of diabetes and heart problems.

MHHC’s past is rich in its history and tradition, and its long-standing attention to quality of care.  It is commonly known to area residents, federal and state legislators, and government officials that access to health care in this area of Missouri would be severely hampered without the organization’s services.  MHHC is truly a community asset.  These facts in mind, perhaps even more should be said about its future. 

A newly-adopted vision encourages MHHC to grow, continually striving for excellence and success as well-defined health care needs are identified and addressed within this medically underserved region of Missouri. MHHC’s leadership is fresh and invigorated, and stands ready to implement a set of strategic initiatives that will serve to further benefit these communities for many years to come.