Nearly 40% of a person’s health outcomes are social and economic factors, one of the largest being poverty and the lack of health insurance. We believe access to health care is a fundamental right, despite someone’s ability to pay or insurance status. We know that access to care saves lives. That is why our mission is simply, “Welcoming all who need care”.
Through Heartland Community Health Center, Heartland Panda Pediatrics, River City Pharmacy, Bluestem Wellness, and Healthy Futures, we aim for all people in the Douglas County area to view Heartland as a trusted choice for all their health care needs.
“At Heartland, our goal is to be more than a health center, but a compass guiding our community on a journey of compassion and unwavering support, ensuring that every step leads to a healthier, brighter future for all. Thank you for entrusting us with your wellbeing, as we continue to navigate this path together.” – Julie Branstrom, CEO
The story of Heartland Community Health Center is one of growth, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to providing care for all.
The first Community Health Centers in America were born out of the civil rights movement in the late 1960s. Visionary physicians Dr. H. Jack Geiger and Dr. Count Gibson revolutionized healthcare by bringing vital medical and social services to rural and underserved communities. Their model set the foundation for accessible, community-driven care across the country.
Nearly 30 years later, members of our own community sought to bring this same level of care to Lawrence, where many lacked access to affordable healthcare. While we have grown significantly since then, the spirit of welcoming all who need care is stronger than ever.
In the late 1990s, a small classroom in the basement of a church was transformed into an exam room, offering care to the uninsured. As demand for affordable healthcare grew, the clinic relocated to an abandoned shopping mall in downtown Lawrence, making services more accessible to the community. To further expand care, a board of directors was formed, and the organization became known as Heartland Medical Clinic, Inc. In 2012, it earned federal designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), solidifying its mission to serve those in need.
In 2020, Heartland merged with Panda Pediatrics and Douglas County Dental Clinic, allowing us to reach more at-risk patients than ever before. As an FQHC, our partnership enables Panda Pediatrics to utilize federal funding to support care for children and adolescents, reducing reliance on state and local funding. This sustainable model strengthens our ability to provide high-quality care to both insured and uninsured families in our community.
Continuing to grow and remove barriers to care, Heartland opened River City Pharmacy in 2022, a 340B pharmacy dedicated to helping patients access affordable medications. Then, in the fall of 2024, we expanded our mental and behavioral health services with the opening of Bluestem Wellness. This new facility allows us to better meet the rising mental health needs of our community by providing comprehensive, integrated care in a dedicated space.
From a single exam room in a church basement to a comprehensive healthcare system, Heartland remains committed to its mission: welcoming all who need care.
This practice serves all patients regardless of ability to pay. Discounts for essential services are offered based on family size and income. For more information, ask at the front desk or visit our website. Thank you.
This health center receives HHS funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.
