Access to women’s healthcare should not depend on ZIP code. Yet for many women living in rural Missouri, long travel times and limited provider availability can make routine and preventive care difficult to access.
Fordland Clinic is working to change that with the launch of its comprehensive Women’s Health Program at the Fordland location. This is just the latest initiative advanced by the Fordland Clinic centered on women’s wellness and health.
This new program builds on Fordland Clinic’s mission to remove barriers to care by offering pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, and newborn services closer to home—while continuing participation in Missouri’s Show Me Healthy Women Program.
Why Expanded Women’s Healthcare Services Matter in Rural Communities
In Webster County and surrounding areas, access challenges have real consequences. Data shows that many women begin prenatal care later than recommended or receive inadequate care throughout pregnancy. These gaps can increase the risk of complications such as:
- Higher rates of stillbirth
- Increased neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions
- Greater likelihood of postpartum depression
By offering coordinated women’s health services locally, Fordland Clinic aims to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies while reducing the stress and burden of traveling long distances for care.
Comprehensive Prenatal, Postpartum, and Newborn Care
Through the new Women’s Health Program, all prenatal appointments can now be scheduled directly through Fordland Clinic. Deliveries are coordinated with trusted hospital partners, including CoxHealth and Mercy hospitals in Springfield, ensuring continuity of care from pregnancy through delivery.
Fordland Clinic also recognizes and supports the unique needs of its community, including members of the Amish population. For women planning home births with midwives, the clinic provides essential lab work and referrals for higher-risk pregnancies when needed.
Leadership Focused on Patient-Centered Care
The Women’s Health Program is led by Kayla Cummings, RN, Women’s Health and OB Nurse Navigator. With more than eight years of experience in labor, delivery, and postpartum care, Cummings brings both clinical expertise and a strong commitment to rural healthcare access.
Her leadership ensures women receive guidance, education, and support throughout pregnancy and after delivery, helping patients feel informed and cared for at every stage.
Women’s Health Services Available Now
Fordland Clinic’s Women’s Health Program currently offers:
- Pregnancy and prenatal care
- Postpartum and newborn care
- STI testing and treatment
- Lab work and referrals for higher-risk patients
Services are available to all women, regardless of insurance status. Patients who are uninsured may qualify for care based on income guidelines, supporting Fordland Clinic’s commitment to equitable access.
Appointments are available Monday through Saturday with the clinic’s family practice providers.
Preventive Care Through Show Me Healthy Women and WiseWoman
In addition to maternity care, Fordland Clinic continues to offer preventive women’s health services through the Show Me Healthy Women Program, which provides breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible women.
Fordland Clinic also participates in WiseWoman, a companion program focused on cardiovascular health for women ages 35–64. Services include cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, and follow-up care for abnormal results. Both programs are available at no cost to women who meet income guidelines.
These services are offered at Fordland Clinic locations in Fordland, Kimberling City, and Springfield.
A Commitment to Accessible, Whole-Person Care
As a nonprofit community health center, Fordland Clinic remains dedicated to providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to everyone—regardless of income or insurance coverage.
By expanding women’s health services, the clinic continues its patient-centered approach that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and long-term wellness.
Get Started with Women’s Health Care at Fordland Clinic
If you’re seeking women’s health care close to home—or want to learn more about prenatal, postpartum, or preventive screening services—Fordland Clinic is here to help. Call 417-767-2273 or visit fordlandclinic.org to schedule an appointment and learn more about available programs.