Quality, Compassionate Care for Everyone
A nonprofit community health center providing quality, affordable health care to everyone, we take time to get to know our patients and build our care around their lives, needs, and goals.
As part of the largest primary care network in the country, Community Health Centers are united by a commitment to care that’s grounded in relationships, shaped by trust, and rooted in every community we serve.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be a partner in improving the health of all community members.
Our Vision
We envision a future where everyone has what they need to live a healthy life.
What We Value
Trust
Belonging
Dignity
Empowerment
Excellence
Making Care Affordable
Insurance Accepted
Most private insurance plans are accepted, as well as Minnesota Care, Medicare and Medical Assistance (MA or Medicaid).
Sliding Fee Program
Income-based discounts for individuals and families with no insurance or high deductible insurance.
What We Do
Integrated Care
Quality medical, dental, and behavioral health care all in one place
Team-Based Approach
Cooperative care coordination for better health outcomes
Community Focus
Available regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Sliding fee discounts available for those who qualify.
The History of Open Door Health Center
the evolution of quality affordable health care in Southern Minnesota
1983: The Wellness Center is founded as a free health care option for women and children.
1989: Community group formed to review health-related problems in Greater Mankato, would become Council for Health Action and Promotion (CHAP).
1991: CHAP conducts Health Needs Assessment for community
1992: Low Income Health Center Planning Group forms; community health survey conducted
1993: Relationship with the Wellness Center begins; Open Door Health Center becomes a 501 c (3) as a result
1994: Open Door began seeing patients 9 hours a week using primarily volunteers at Walnut St. location; visits were $5; Board of Directors formed
1995: Dental program for children begins with one chair and volunteers
1996: First nurse practitioner hired, hours increased from 9 to 16; MSU students begin internships
1997: Medication Assistance Program (MAP) begins; ODHC Advisory Council forms; Adult dental services begin
1998: Parenting classes offered
2000: Open Door moved to larger facility at Belle Ave.
2001: Four grants allowed Open Door to increase paid staff from 5 to 25, hours increased from 16 to 24 each week, phones answered 40 hours a week
2002: Open Door moved to Holly Lane location, donated by former owners, OFC
2003: Dental program expands from 2 to 6 chairs
2004: Open Door sees over 10,000 patients, begins work toward becoming an FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center)
2005: Sarah Kruse agrees to be first CEO after first volunteering then working as MIS Director since 2000
2008: Social workers begin providing counseling
2009: Open Door gains FQHC status, allowing additional funding and expanded services
2011: Mobile medical and dental units begin; school-based dental program begins
2012: Dental clinic addition added to Holly Lane
2013: Holly Lane location fully renovated; Behavioral Health becomes own dept; Enrollment services added; ODHC designated as a “Health Care Home” by MDH
2015: CEO Doug Yaeger starts
2016: Partnership with SMRLS (Southern MN Regional Legal Services) begins thanks to grants from Blue Cross/Blue Shield
2017: Clarkfield and Jordan Dental offices open
2018: Genoa Pharmacy was added to Mankato location
2019: Same-Day appointments for acute illness were made available; MAT services added to BH
2020: ODHC becomes critical to community care with testing and care during the COVID 19 pandemic; mobile services and school-based dental program put on hiatus; Clarkfield Dental office closed
2021: CEO Rhonda Eastlund starts; Telehealth services added
2022: Medical Assistant Apprenticeship begins
2023: Dental Assistant Apprenticeship begins; Shakopee medical clinic opens part-time in government center; Lower level remodel of Mankato location, including new conference and community room
2024: CEO Kelly Kenley starts; Fairmont School-Based Health Center (SBHC) opens; Dakota Child and Family Clinic acquired
2025: Groundbreaking for Scott County Integrated Health Center; Fairmont SBHC closes; grants received to open two SBHCs with Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS)
2026: Jordan dental clinic moves to Shakopee, doubling dental capacity, and adding medical, behavioral health, and insurance enrollment; Open Door announces new logo; MAPS SBHCs open in Center for Learning and Lincoln Community Center
Nonprofit Funding
Open Door Health Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit healthcare organization. The majority of our funding comes from grants and community support. Current funding partners include:
- Minnesota Department of Health
- Workplace Safety
- Mental Health Safety Net
- School-Based Health Center Emerging Clinic Grant
- FQHC Subsidy
- Immunization Remind and Recall
Your Support Matters
Your donation helps expand access to affordable healthcare for families across Southern Minnesota.
Join Our Team
Make A Difference In Your Community
Join a team dedicated to providing compassionate, quality healthcare. We offer competitive benefits, professional development, and the opportunity to serve where you live.
