River Hills Community Health Center has announced the closure of its Centerville clinic, effective July 31st, 2026, citing ongoing financial and operational challenges facing rural health care providers across Iowa and the nation. The announcement comes shortly after the organization announced the closure of its Richland Dental Clinic in Keokuk County, which was announced April 29th, 2026, also attributed to cuts in insurance funding nationwide. The southeast Iowa region has experienced cuts by many health care providing agencies, reflecting a broader trend affecting rural and community health systems nationwide.
River Hills is one of more than 1,500 Federally Qualified Health Centers across the United States and one of 14 FQHCs in Iowa. The organization said the Centerville closure reflects increasing pressures facing community-based health care organizations, including workforce shortages, rising operational costs, reimbursement challenges, and declining sustainability of rural health services.
CEO Joy Alexander said the decision was not reached easily. “For many years, the Centerville clinic has served as an important access point for care in Appanoose County and surrounding communities. We recognize the impact this closure may have on our patients, staff, and community partners, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and support the community has shown River Hills CHC over the years,” Alexander said.
Chief Financial Officer Lori Miller echoed that sentiment while placing the closure in a broader national context. “Health care organizations across the country are facing unprecedented financial strain. While this outcome is heartbreaking, our priority remains ensuring patients continue to have access to safe, compassionate, and coordinated care,” Miller said.
River Hills said it is committed to supporting patients through the transition, offering assistance with transfer of medical records, continuity of care coordination, referrals to alternative providers and services, prescription transition support, and guidance regarding future care options. The organization also noted that patients and families can access MyChart, an electronic health record platform that allows patients to access their records, order medications, and request appointments.
The organization expressed sincere appreciation to the providers, employees, community leaders, and patients who supported both the Centerville and Richland clinics throughout their years of service.
Patients with upcoming appointments or questions about records and continued services are encouraged to contact the clinic directly at 641-683-5773 or visit the River Hills Community Health Center website for updates and additional information.
