NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK
National Health Center Week in August recognizes the benefits of having a high-quality healthcare delivery system in every community.
Health Centers provide quality, cost-effective, accessible care while serving as critical economic engines helping to power local economies. As the primary goal of a health center, the facility enhances the visibility of community, homeless, and public housing centers; and to generate community pride and build support for the health centers program.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 1 in 15 Americans depends on health care services. More than 330,000 veterans, a 14% increase from 2014, expected to increase as more health centers participate in the Veterans Choice Act. The Administration further reports 1 in 3 people living in poverty; 1 in 6 people in rural communities; and 1 in 10 children 17 years or younger will use health center services.
While we recognize the contributions to our communities through events, members of Congress will visit facilities across the country. Our nation’s health centers benefit from the support of senators and representatives of all parties. Throughout the celebration, certain days honor the doctors, nurses, staffers, and volunteers who keep these facilities going. Another day highlights those healthcare heroes who take care of our kids.
No matter how we participate, knowing preserving accessible care is vital to our communities. Take part in events near you and learn how your health center provides for your local area.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Find local events near you. Or, consider getting the community involved in the national effort. Go to HealthCenterWeek.org for more information.
Use #NationalHealthCenterWeek in social media.
HISTORY
National Association of Community Health Centers founded National Health Center Week more than thirty years ago. Beginning with two facilities 54 years ago, the Health Center Program has grown to nearly 1,400 health centers with more than 11,000 sites in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin.