Tri State Community Health Ctr50 West 13th Stl~et
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 office
(563) 5894149 fax
c~mgr~eityofdubuque.org
October 30, 2003
Bureau of Primary Health Care
The City of Dubuque supports the Tri-State Community Health Center's application for a
federally qualified community health center. Over the past several years, many
organizations and planning efforts throughout the community have identified primary health
care, particularly for those who are uninsured or under-insured, as a critical need
throughout the Dubuque area. In addition to the efforts of Mercy Medical Center's
Community Assessment of Human Needs, the Loras/Clarke College Community Outreach
Center Grant Committee, and the Visiting Nurse Association's Strategic Planning Effort, the
City's Comprehensive Plan specifically addresses access to adequate health care services.
Promoting access to adequate health services for all members of the community and
addressing special health needs of pregnant women, children and the elderly are goals in
the City's annually updated Comprehensive Plan.
I am impressed how such a wide variety of individuals and organizations from throughout
the Dubuque community have come together to plan for a Tri-State Community Health
Center. Without the assistance of the Bureau of Pdmary Health Care, however, this center
will not become a reality.
The Tri-State Community Health Center would provide comprehensive primary health care
services to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The Center intends to provide
pdmary health care services by physicians and allied health professionals, along with
diagnostic lab and x-ray services, preventative health and case management services,
dental services, pharmacy and emergency services, along with transportation for patients
who would otherwise lack access to services.
Dubuque is the only metropolitan area in iowa without a community health center. The
community has come together to create a health center and, not only is City of Dubuque
staff involved in this process, we fully support the effort. I know you will look favorably upon
Dubuque's application and feel confident that you have the support of the entire community.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:mrc