River Hills Community Health Center to Shutter Two Iowa Clinics

May 14, 2026 - 18:39

River Hills Community Health Center has announced it will close its clinics in Centerville and Richland on July 31. The decision affects patients who rely on these facilities for primary care, dental services, and behavioral health support. The health center cited financial challenges and staffing shortages as primary reasons for the closures.

The Centerville and Richland locations have served rural communities in southern Iowa for years, offering sliding-scale fees and accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Patients are being notified directly and will receive assistance transferring their medical records to other providers. River Hills is working with local hospitals and clinics to ensure continuity of care for ongoing treatments and prescriptions.

The closures highlight broader struggles facing rural healthcare providers across the state. Many small clinics operate on thin margins and struggle to attract and retain doctors and nurses. For residents in Centerville and Richland, the nearest alternative healthcare options may now require longer travel times, which could pose challenges for elderly patients and those without reliable transportation.

River Hills Community Health Center will continue operating its other locations in Ottumwa, Bloomfield, and Albia. The organization has not announced any further closures at this time. Patients with questions are encouraged to contact the health center's main office for guidance on next steps.