- The Walnut Street entrance to the now-shuttered MercyOne Traer Family Medicine. After closing, the signage was removed from the building. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
- The former MercyOne building will soon become a medical clinic again. Peoples Community Health Clinic plans to open here in April. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
The former MercyOne Traer Family Medicine building. The clinic closed its doors on December 9, 2025. Peoples Community Health Clinic is set to reopen this space in April 2026. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
TRAER – After the closure of MercyOne in December 2025, Peoples Community Health Clinic announced plans to open a satellite clinic in Traer by April 1, 2026. This move comes at a vital time when residents are facing healthcare challenges in Tama County.
Peoples Community Health Clinic has been a staple in Iowa, serving about 18,000 patients in 2024 across its sites in Waterloo and Clarksville. Their goal? To provide affordable healthcare to underserved communities.
The opportunity for this clinic arose after MercyOne announced its closure. The Iowa Primary Care Association identified a pressing need for medical services in Traer, a rural area where access to healthcare is limited. According to the 2023 Community Health Assessment, “Tama County ranks 85th out of 99 in health outcomes,” highlighting the urgency for accessible medical care.
In response, Peoples Clinic is teaming up with North Tama Medical Associates. This partnership aims to ensure ongoing healthcare services in the community, emphasizing a shared mission of improving local health.
Local leaders like Jared Bauch expressed excitement, stating, “We are thrilled that a respected provider like Peoples will keep medical services available in Traer.” Traer Mayor Pete Holden added, “This is fantastic news for our community!”
The new clinic plans to offer primary care with possibilities for expanding services as needed. Operating hours will total 42 per week, including extended evening hours to accommodate working families. This approach is set to improve access for a broader group of patients.
Christine Kemp, CEO of Peoples Community Health Clinic, commented on the collaboration, saying, “We are dedicated to meeting patients where they are.” This commitment reflects a broader trend among healthcare providers to focus on community needs.
In light of the previous clinic’s closure, community sentiment has shifted. Many residents have voiced concerns over losing access to healthcare. The new clinic aims to address these worries and fill the gap left by MercyOne.
As for staffing, Peoples Community Health Clinic will soon post job openings. Their hiring practices will follow standard procedures, ensuring the clinic is staffed with qualified individuals to meet community needs. Those interested in applying can find opportunities on their official website.
For more information about the clinic’s services and to stay updated on the opening, you can visit the [Peoples Community Health Clinic website](https://www.peoples-clinic.com/).
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