Fordland Clinic Launches New Women’s Health Program to Expand Access in Rural Communities

For many women in Webster County and surrounding communities, reaching Springfield for routine care is difficult. Statistics show that 33% of women in Webster County receive inadequate prenatal care, and 36% begin care late in the second or third trimester. Inadequate prenatal care can lead to higher rates of stillbirths, neonatal intensive care (NICU) admissions, and postpartum depression. Fordland Clinic’s new program seeks to close these gaps by offering pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care close to home.

All prenatal appointments can now be scheduled through Fordland Clinic, with deliveries coordinated with CoxHealth and Mercy hospitals in Springfield. The clinic also supports local cultural needs, including the Amish community, by providing lab work and referrals for higher-risk pregnancies, even when women plan to deliver at home with midwives.

Leadership and Vision

The program is spearheaded by Kayla Cummings, Women’s Health and OB Nurse Navigator, who joined Fordland Clinic in April 2025. With more than eight years of nursing experience in labor, delivery, and postpartum care, Cummings has certification in maternal-newborn nursing. She has worked diligently to develop this program and looks forward to expanding its services as her qualifications grow.

“Access to care should never depend on geography,” said Cummings. “Our program gives women in rural Missouri the opportunity to receive prenatal and postpartum support without the added stress of traveling long distances. I’m honored to lead this initiative and excited to see how it will improve outcomes for mothers and babies in our community.”

Services Offered Now

The Women’s Health Program currently provides:

Services are available to all women, regardless of insurance status. Women who are uninsured may qualify for care based on income guidelines. Appointments are available Monday through Saturday with Fordland Clinic’s team of five family practice providers.

Expanding Services: Show Me Healthy Women & WiseWoman

In addition to pregnancy and newborn care, Fordland Clinic offers breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Show Me Healthy Women Program. A sister program, WiseWoman, is also available. WiseWoman focuses on cardiovascular health for women ages 35–64, offering cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, and follow-up for abnormal results. Like Show Me Healthy Women, WiseWoman services are provided at no cost to eligible participants who meet income guidelines.

Currently, Fordland Clinic provides these women’s health services at both its Fordland and Kimberling City locations. The Springfield location likewise offers Show Me Healthy Women and WiseWoman services.

About Fordland Clinic

Fordland Clinic is a nonprofit community health center committed to ensuring access to quality healthcare for everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. The clinic provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services, with a patient-centered approach that emphasizes prevention and overall wellness. Fordland Clinic accepts most insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and offers a sliding fee scale for those without insurance.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.fordlandclinic.org or call 417-767-2273.