Happy National Health Center Week
August 9th-15th is National Health Center Week! This year’s theme is “Lighting the Way for Healthier Communities Today and in the Future.” National Health Center Week is the time to shine a light on the strength and vitality that health centers bring to their communities and the health care system overall.
We have put together the top questions we have received about health centers and answered them in this month’s blog. Check them out below!
What are Community Health Centers?
Community Health Centers increase access to health care by breaking down barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance and language. Health centers open their doors to people of all backgrounds. This provides substantial benefits to communities and families that health centers serve.
Health centers provide highly efficient and affordable care, performing just as well as other healthcare providers. They also save the healthcare system more than $24 billion annually in reduced emergency, hospital and specialty care costs.
What are the goals of Health Center Week?
The goal this week is to raise awareness of health centers across our country and recognize their important work to protect and promote the health of our communities. Did you know there are more than 235,000 providers and staff working in health centers across the country? These people dedicate their time and talent to help individuals and families have access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve. We take this time to thank them for their dedication!
What makes health centers unique?
Also known as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHQ), a Community Health Center is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Each of America’s health center organizations are driven by the mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
How have health centers, such as AxessPointe, helped communities during COVID-19?
Community Health Centers have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Here at AxessPointe, we have remained open and continued to offer our services to all. Our team provided resources to those who became unemployed due to the pandemic, offered free enrollment assistance for Medicaid to those without insurance and offered mental health services. Virtual visits allowed our patients to visit their provider from the comfort of their own home. Lastly, health centers, including AxessPointe, are offering COVID-19 testing to new and existing patients whether they are experiencing symptoms or not. Thank you to our healthcare heroes for all you do!
Where can I find a health center near me?
If you live in or near Akron, Kent or Barberton, visit us at AxessPointe Community Health Centers! Our addresses are listed here. If you do not live near one of our locations, visit this link.
I would like to support Community Health Centers. What can I do?
Thank you for standing with the health center community! Your support is always appreciated. There are many ways you can help. Email your members of Congress to encourage them to continue funding and supporting health centers.
Post on social media using the hashtags #NHCW20 and #ValueCHCs to make your voice heard!
Your monetary support will help provide quality, compassionate and affordable care to the uninsured and underserved in our communities. If you would like to contribute to our mission, our donation link is here. Thank you for considering donating to AxessPointe!
For further information, questions or inquiries, we welcome you to call our AxessPointe team at 888-975-9188. We are here to serve you and look forward to hearing from you!
Sources:
Health Center Advocacy Network: https://www.hcadvocacy.org/
National Health Center Week: https://healthcenterweek.org/
Health Resources & Services Administration: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/
