The Northeast Missouri Health Council, Inc. is one of over 1200 Federally Qualified Health Centers that provide healthcare to anyone, including more than 17 million low-income or medically indigent patients through a network of some 2500 clinics in the United States.

The Health Council was established in 1968 by the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine to develop and maintain a network of regional, primary and preventive healthcare clinics, and to improve clinic
accessibility and utilization. Most areas served by the Council are rural and are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas by the State of Missouri. Agriculture is the area's primary industry, with roughly half of the region's population residing on farms. Communities with clinics are Kirksville, Memphis, Milan and Edina, but the counties served are Adair, Knox, Sullivan, Scotland, Schuyler, Putnam, Lewis, Mercer and Clark.

An independent board of directors oversees the Council's program of work. Members of the board reside in counties served by the Council and most utilize the services of the clinics in their respective communities

The region's diverse culture and broad spectrum of age and income levels are reflected in the Council's patient mix. From pediatrics to geriatrics, the Northeast Missouri health and dental clinics truly offer healthcare services for the entire family. The patient base includes a mix of medically indigent, Medicaid, Medicare, private pay, sliding fee and insured individuals.

The Northeast Missouri Health Council receives funding from the United States Department of Health and Human Services to provide Sliding Fee discounts to qualified patients who need primary healthcare.

The Health Council has excellent relationships with area hospitals, healthcare agencies and Health Departments. Many physicians employed by the Health Council maintain faculty positions and teach at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Members of the medical staff, which consists of doctors and nurse practioners, also participate in area health fairs, school athletics physicals, health screenings, well-baby clinics and health related school functions.