Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA. Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay. Learn more about federally qualified health centers here.

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy. PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education.

PHC employs 75 physicians, dentists, pharmacists, advanced practice clinicians, dental hygienists, and licensed social workers. PHC has 420 employees. In 2023, PHC clinics and programs served 39,393 patients over 131,837 encounters.