2021 National Health Center Week
National Health Center Week (NHCW), celebrated for over five decades, brings attention to the healthcare needs of communities across the country and “the shared stake in community health.” The annual celebration helps raise awareness about America’s health centers’ mission and accomplishments, such as their record of success and delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and accessible care.
What are Health Centers?
Health centers?are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver comprehensive healthcare services to those who are most in need, such as public housing residents, vets, and the homeless. Typically, they are situated in areas wherein economic, geographic, or cultural barriers limit access to quality healthcare services. For example, health centers have played an essential role in delivering care to the nation’s underserved populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
KFF.org, a website that provides information on national health issues, reported that when the coronavirus pandemic hit, health centers quickly pivoted to providing COVID-19 testing in their communities: “According to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), health centers provided over 335,000 tests in the week ending December 4th.”
The Chemistry for Strong Communities
This year, National Health Center Week carries the theme of“The Chemistry for Strong Communities”?and will take place from August 8-14. Each day of the 2021 NHCW celebration?schedule?focuses on a particular area:
The Goals of National Health Center Week
The goals of National Health Center Week are to enhance the visibility and profile of Community, Migrant, Homeless, and Public Housing Centers and generate community pride and build support for the health center’s program.
Both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have unanimously passed resolutions asking the nation to recognize the contributions of America’s health centers. In addition, governors and mayors in over 30 states across the country and other local governing bodies have issued proclamations paying tribute to the role of health centers in expanding access to affordable and quality care in their states and communities.
The Health Center Week’s dedicated website?suggests ideas on how health centers can celebrate and showcase their work with their surrounding communities while maintaining appropriate social distancing during the time of COVID-19:
There will be many other ways that communities across the United States will roll out their events for the week. For example, for New York, the?Community Health Care Association of New York State?has listed its events by date and location. Highlights include a COVID-19 Vaccination Health Fair on August 8-13 and Drive-thru Backpack Distribution and Virtual Events from August 9-12.
Remember, you can also help celebrate National Health Center Week 2021 by including?#NHCW2021?on Facebook and Twitter!