Neighborhood Centers of JC, Free Medical Clinic earn ARPA funds

Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County and the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic were awarded preliminary funding from Iowa City Council using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to expand medical services and renovate a community center. As part of the funding, the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County will use $2 million to renovate a new community center in a targeted neighborhood such as Towncrest. It will include 50 early childhood education spots, youth afterschool programming classes, a computer lab, multipurpose space, a kitchen, library, food bank and more. "The proposed project responds to several public health, social, educational, childcare and economic inequities that were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic," Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County explained in the funding request document. They hope a new community center will serve as an organizing and engagement hub. The Iowa City Free Medical Clinic (FMC) will be given $1 million to add up to eight speciality clinics and repurpose the former dental operatory space on the main level, as well as incorporate ADA accessibility improvements, said Rachel Kilburg, assistant city manager. FMC reported there is a three month waiting list for chronic care patients and a one year waiting list for dental needs. Demand is expected to grow in May once temporary pandemic-related Medicaid expansions expire. In December 2022, Iowa City began the capital grant program. Eight proposals were submitted to the city, with six plans rejected. The city received $18.3 million in federal ARPA funds in 2021.

City council heaps praise

While approval of preliminary funding was recommended during the March 21 meeting, staff will now work with both Iowa City nonprofits to finalize individual subrecipeint agreements. Full proposals will come back to city council separately at a later date. Support for the programs was unaninmous among the council, with council member John Thomas calling the projects "transformational." "Providing and supporting free medical care is so important in our society that has a for-profit system that leaves people out in the cold without care they need," said council member Shawn Harmsen. Iowa City mayor Bruce Teague added that the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County has proven it can reach out to diverse populations to accomplish its goals. FMC initially asked for less than $546,000, but the city decided to increase the funding to fulfill the proposal's goals. The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County asked for $3 million but their award was for one million less dollars. "This is an investment that will return on its dollar amount," said council member Andrew Dunn. "Every dollar we put into preventative medicine or poverty reduction programs is going to reduce the amount of taypayer dollars — whether it's from the state, federal or local government — that is spent on emergency care, which is often much more expensive." In March, the IC Free Medical and Dental Clinic named Dr. Jennie Schmidt as new executive director to replace Barbara Vinograde.