NEICAC to close its family planning clinic

The Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) Board of Directors has voted to close the longtime Family Planning/Health Services clinic in Decorah after June 30th, when their contract with the Iowa Department of Public Health ends.

A news release from NEICAC says, "the funding and the insurance reimbursement rates have not covered the operational cost for several years and have gotten far more tenuous the last three years."

NEICAC Executive Director Mary Ann Humpal stated, "As much as this clinic is needed and used by over 600 clients, we cannot compromise the financial stability of the entire agency for the clinic."

The Family Planning Clinic provided services to residents of Winneshiek, Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette and Howard counties.

Humpal says the closing of the clinic will be "a sad day," but she says there really wasn't any other option.

Clinic staff will spend the next four months "working with our clients to help find alternative providers," says the news release.