Two Missouri health organizations have joined forces under one roof in Jefferson City to improve access to quality health care for all Missourians.
The Roy Blunt Center for Healthcare Integration & Innovation, which opened earlier this year, brings together the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and Missouri Primary Care Association in one shared facility. The goal is to strengthen collaboration, expand workforce training and improve integration of primary care and behavioral health services.
The new center provides a “premier training hub” for Missouri’s federally qualified health centers, such as Community Health Center of Central Missouri in Jefferson City, and behavioral health agencies like Compass Health Network, according to a news release.
As Missouri continues to face critical shortages of trained medical personnel, the need for ongoing workforce development has never been greater, according to the release. The center offers space for training and professional development for health workers who serve low-income and at-risk populations. It will host a mix of health care professionals, including those earning continuing education credits, as well as back-office staff responsible for billing and coding.
“We’ll really probably touch every staff member who works at one of these entities,” MPCA CEO Joe Pierle said.
The space includes a large auditorium, conference rooms for breakout sessions, a cafe-style area for networking, and private cubicles where providers can take patient calls.
Earlier this week, medical directors from federally qualified health centers and certified community behavioral health clinics met at the center to discuss how to better integrate care. Later this month, the facility will host the Missouri Rural Health Workforce Summit.
The space will be periodically available to nonprofits and state agencies at a nominal cost.
The two agencies have long collaborated to support their members but previously operated out of separate locations in Jefferson City. For larger training, they often rented convention space and partnered on advocacy efforts at the Missouri Capitol.
The opening of the center marks a significant milestone in strengthening that partnership and creating more consistent opportunities to work together.
“It’s how we come together as two different organizations and our state partners to innovate for our patients and clients,” said Cindy Luetkemeyer, vice president of workforce and hospital relations at MBHC.
Leaders are already exploring additional joint efforts, including emergency preparedness meetings as tornado season and summer storms approach.
“So we’re always exploring how can we do more and how can we do it better together?” Pierle said.
The building is named after Roy Blunt, who as a U.S. senator supported the work of both organizations and their members, Pierle said.
A history wall inside the facility highlights the accomplishments of both organizations and recognizes leaders who helped establish and support community health centers and behavioral health services.
“We kind of honor those who came before us,” Pierle said.
Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
Joe Pierle, chief executive officer of the Missouri Primary Care Association, points out a piece of history on the wall at the Roy Blunt Center for Healthcare Integration & Innovation on Monday, April 20, 2026. The association and the Missouri Behavioral Health Care Council began settling into the new building in February.
Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
The Roy Blunt Center for Healthcare Integration & Innovation is home to the Missouri Primary Care Association and the Missouri Behavioral Health Care Council. The facility, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held April 13, is the first of its kind in the nation.
Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
History displays, meeting rooms and an open dining area take up much of the first floor of the Roy Blunt Center for Healthcare Integration & Innovation.
Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
The Innovation Auditorium on the first floor of the Roy Blunt Center for Healthcare Integration & Innovation is set up like a classroom to host informative sessions for health care professionals.
Ryan Pivoney/News Tribune
The Roy Blunt Center for Healthcare Integration & Innovation is home to the Missouri Primary Care Association and the Missouri Behavioral Health Care Council. The facility, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held April 13, is the first of its kind in the nation.