August is National Community Health Center Week

By Nicole Forgione

Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) sponsors National Health Center Week (NHCW) to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs).

CHCs provide basic health care services in the communities that need them most. They welcome everyone, including families, children, farm workers, and people experiencing homelessness. CHCs serve those who are uninsured, have Medicaid, or have private insurance.

CHCs offer primary and preventive health care services and are the provider of choice for millions of people. They are also cost-effective. Research shows that investing in health centers helps save the health care system nearly $24 billion annually. Despite this, these centers perform just as well or better than other health care providers.

All CHCs are not-for-profit organizations, and the 1,400 CHCs throughout the United States are driven by a mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve. Consumer and patient-driven, CHC boards of directors must have over 51% patient representation. As a result, major decisions for the health center are made primarily by patients, which holds them accountable to the unique needs of their communities.

CHCs are typically located in medically underserved areas where there are fewer doctors and medical professionals, and where many community members are experiencing poverty.

“National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the essential role community health centers play in providing quality medical care to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, income, or health insurance status,” says Dr. LaVonne Ansari, PhD, chief executive officer/executive director, Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. “Our mission is to ensure healthcare equity, and we are dedicated to serving our community year-round with excellence and compassion.”

The Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. (CHCB) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with locations in Erie and Niagara Counties, along with a mobile healthcare unit. CHCB serves all patients, regardless of ability to pay; offering discounted fees for patients who qualify; without denying services based on race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. CHCB accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), private pay, and individuals who are uninsured.

For a list of comprehensive services offered at CHCB, visit chcb.net. To make an appointment for any of their locations, call 716-986-9199. Apply for a position at chcb.net/careers.

Join the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. for a National Health Center Week Celebration on Wednesday, August 7, from noon to 4 p.m., at 34 Benwood Avenue, Buffalo 14214. The free event offers activities for the entire family, including games, music, food, face painting, and vendors. There will also be free school supplies (while supplies last). For more info, call 716-986-9199, ext. 2012.

Nicole Forgione is Director of Marketing and Communications at CHCB.