About Us
The Office of Rural Health (ORH) and the Office of Rural Health Advisory Committee was established in 1989 by the Iowa Legislature and designated within the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and located in the Office of Health Planning. By 2002 it transitioned to the Bureau of Health Care Access (BHCA). The BHCA is dedicated to the functions which result in or impact health care access in Iowa. In the bureau, staff works closely with the public, other agencies, organization, entities, and with communities to examine issues, find solutions and complete actions regarding health care access. The Bureau makes every attempt to communicate and engage in face-to-face dialogue with residents across the state about the issues, policies and challenges affecting health care. BHCA staff also represents IDPH and constituents by serving on a number of state and national boards, committees and initiatives.
Goal
Promoting and protecting the health of Iowans. Assuring the provision of essential public health services through assistance to internal and external customers, including both the private and public sector, and promoting collaborative programming and policy at both the state and local levels to assure access to health care.
Bureau Activities
The Bureau of Health Care Access advocates for quality health care delivery systems for all Iowans and provides information, referrals, education, grant opportunities, technical assistance, and planning for Iowa communities. The bureau is designated the state entity for addressing rural health, primary care and health care workforce issues in Iowa, and works to improve access to health care for vulnerable populations.
Bureau Contact Information
Toll Free: 1-800-308-5986
Fax: (515) 242-6384
Bureau Chief
Doreen Chamberlin (515) 281-8517
Administrative Assistant
Kevin Wooddell (515) 281-6765
Secretary
Rachel Davis (515) 242-6383
Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program
Andria Seip (515) 281-4808
Kate Payne (515) 331-2402
Primary Care Office
Vacant (515) 281-7223
Lloyd Burnside (515) 242-6879
PRIMECARRE, 3RNet & Iowa Health Workforce Center
Erin Drinnin (515) 281-3166
Michelle Holst (515) 954-5674
Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP)
Katie Jerkins (515) 233-2831
State Office of Rural Health
Gloria Vermie (515) 281-7224
