Celebrating the vital role of community health centers is a solid first step as we work to raise awareness and appreciation for their efforts. However, to truly be successful, these essential health hubs in neighborhoods big and small need our help and support.
Here are a few ways you can help to insure the community health center in your area will not only survive – but thrive – while delivering quality health care to underserved Americans.
Government Officials, Legislators, Policymakers:
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Recognize and sustain commendable efforts that have been made on the federal level to support community centers; |
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At the state level, remain sensitive to unmet needs and opportunities. |
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Participate with your constituents in National Health Center Week to raise awareness of – and bolster support for – community health centers. Visit www.healthcenterweek.org for more information. |
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Strengthen training opportunities that place health care professionals in underserved areas. |
Philanthropic Donors and Funders (corporations, small business, institutions, nonprofits and individuals):
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Support or create “lend an executive” programs for talented individuals with health care expertise as well as business backgrounds, in areas of management, accounting and technology. They can be a great resource to help health centers widen their reach into underserved communities through strategic growth, expansion or a new facility. |
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Provide financial support for capital campaigns or special projects, such as smoking cessation programs, hypertension outreach or electronic medical records infrastructure. |
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Provide products – such as medical supplies and equipment, office supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals. |
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Encourage your employees to volunteer their time and services at a health center, or to support marketing campaigns and development drives. |
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Join the National Association of Community Health Centers as a member or exhibit and sponsor events at NACHC conferences. Visit www.nachc.com. |
Health Care Professionals, Facilities and Students:
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Include community health centers in your professional affiliations, and be receptive to reaching out and volunteering to be a source of referral. |
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Apply for a community health center loan pay-off or scholarship through the National Health Services Corps or through state-operated or private sources. This financial support for schooling in exchange for community health center work is a win-win partnership. Visit http://nhsc.hrsa.gov. |
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Consider serving your residency or conducting an internship at a community health center. The National Health Services Corps, in cooperation with regional and state partners, offers both students and residents opportunities to practice and learn in medically underserved areas. |
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Connect with a National Health Services Corps-identified community health mentor on your school campus. Faculty members on campuses across the country serve as mentors to students who are interested in pursuing a primary care career focused on serving communities in need. |
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Join the Community HealthCorps – www.communityhealthcorps.org – and provide a year of AmeriCorps service at a health center. In return, you’ll gain valuable professional experience and training. |
Academic Health Sciences Centers:
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Engage in dialogue with your community health center or Primary Care Association. To find out where your help is most needed, visit www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. |
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Partner with community health centers to conduct research and scholarly opportunities that are relevant to their work and the needs of the constituents they serve. Dedicate university resources to support relevant research or scholarship opportunities to further the growth of community health centers. |
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Host a community health center day at your institution to increase student awareness about medically underserved areas and the importance of local community health centers. |
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Volunteers:
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Fifty-one percent of a community health center’s board members must be made of up people who use the facility. Consider becoming involved with your local health center. Make a difference and expand the necessary resources for health centers by becoming a resource yourself. |
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Volunteer and consider organizing friends and neighbors to do the same. You don’t need to be a medical professional to help the cause. Volunteering whatever time you can spare at a community health center will enable you to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of your community. |
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Become a “health center advocate” by helping to build a strong grassroots network of community support. |
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