RHRC & The Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri: 5 Years of Impact

By Bre Chamley

The Rural Health Research Center (RHRC) partnered with the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri in 2020 when they received funding for the Missouri Partnership to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening rates. The Community Clinic is one of eight Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that receive practice facilitation from RHRC. Practice facilitation is a strategy used in healthcare, particularly in primary care practices, to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. 

The Missouri Practice Facilitation Model is built on a bi-directional partnership, where clinically trained professionals work hand in hand with healthcare teams. By understanding the challenges clinic staff face, facilitators foster collaborative problem-solving and encourage teamwork. They provide technical assistance to primary clinics, helping implement evidence-based strategies to improve colon cancer screening rates. Support is tailored through face-to-face meetings, calls, and video conferencing, ensuring practical, hands-on guidance for clinic staff.

RHRC has partnered closely with the Community Clinic to enhance colorectal cancer screening efforts. Through educational retreats, data insights, and discussions on screening rates, RHRC equips clinic staff with valuable tools to improve patient outreach. To increase accessibility, RHRC has designed at-home FIT screening instructions featuring larger text, clear visuals, and multiple language options.

Additionally, RHRC has developed infographics, pocket cards, and exam room reminders to keep screening a priority. Clinics receive quarterly data updates and undergo annual chart reviews to track progress. The regional safety net resource guide ensures underserved communities have access to essential care. And, in an engaging awareness effort, RHRC even secured a giant inflatable colon to spread the word about CRC screening.

The Community Clinic, widely known as the “free clinic,” plays a vital role in health care by offering services at no cost to those in need. Thanks to the dedicated clinical team and volunteers from nearby hospitals and health care facilities, it provides essential medical support to uninsured individuals seeking care. They welcome anyone who can make it to the clinic, extending their services beyond the Joplin area. Among their impactful programs is a series of nutrition classes, which not only teach cooking skills but also grocery shopping techniques and community-building, fostering meaningful connections among participants.  

This article originally appeared in the Carthage News Wednesday, April 16, 2025