Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Health Centers (CHCs) have been key to ensuring everyone can access affordable, quality healthcare, during and beyond the pandemic. They are locally run yet part of a national network serving nearly 29 million people nation-wide. They save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases. CHCs are not ordinary medical clinics; they are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food and housing resources. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. As unemployment rises and more Americans lose their employee-sponsored health care, Community Health Centers will be the key to keeping America healthy. Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers offer primary care services, in-house pharmacy, lab, x-rays, mammograms, and behavioral health using the Patient Center Care model.
In order to survive and thrive well beyond the pandemic, Congress must pass emergency and long-term funding for Community Health Centers. As part of National Health Center Week 2022 (August 7 – 13), we invite you to support a Community Health Center in your neighborhood and celebrate their mission and accomplishments.
