As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, area residents are perhaps more aware of health care services than at any time in recent memory.

The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, established in 2006, is an increasingly vital provider in the area. Started with the assistance of a federal grant, it offers complete health, dental and mental health services. Its fees are based on the patient’s ability to pay. That sliding fee scale means the center is the place to go for care for those that have no insurance or insurance coverage that isn’t very comprehensive.

Beginning Monday, the facility will mark the 2020 National Health Center Week. Because of the pandemic, the center’s staff had to drop the usual block party held annually to mark the week.

The center staff is still going to do some things to remind the public of the services they provide. There will be a coloring contest for kids and a free cookie for all patients who come in for an appointment .

But most importantly, the center will continue to provide care in a way that eliminates barriers that would otherwise stop people from getting the help that they need.

With school resuming at the end of the month, children will be needing some checkups before they go back to the classrooms. The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge is here to help with that, providing well child checks, immunizations and dental screenings. All of those services will be free to those children who do not have health insurance.

We urge everyone to learn about the services provided by the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge. Utilizing those services may be the key to good health for many people.