N.C. Community Health Centers Host Over 50 Events Statewide to Mark National Health Center Week, August 6-12
2023 National Health Center Week Release PDF
***Media Advisory ***
August 6, 2023
CONTACT: Stacie Borrello, Communications and External Affairs Manager, North Carolina Community Health Center Association, 919-996-9208, borrellos@ncchca.org
A variety of Federally Qualified Health Centers will pass out free school supplies and bookbags, hold health and wellness fairs, celebrate new site openings, offer free assistance with enrolling in health coverage, host public officials, and more.
Experience a range of fun events, free giveaways, and health resources as National Health Center Week returns from August 6 to August 12, 2023. National Health Center Week is an annual, nationwide celebration of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as community health centers (CHCs), which provide integrated primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to the entire community, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay at over 400 clinical sites across North Carolina.
Serving more than 750,000 patients across N.C., community health centers represent hope and resilience to the diverse populations they serve, which include school children, the uninsured, the unhoused, migrant farmworkers, public housing residents, and more. During this special national week of celebration, community health centers across the state are extending an open invitation to the public to join in the fun as they highlight the strength, unwavering dedication, and compassionate care N.C. health centers provide to our communities.
Click here for a list of the public National Health Center Week events happening across North Carolina this week. (Click the page numbers at the bottom to view all events.)
The 2023 national theme is “Community Health Centers: The Roadmap to a Stronger America.” With more than 50 events that will highlight the contributions of community health centers, attendees will have the opportunity to access health resources, enjoy free giveaways, and take part in exciting community events that offer something for every member of the family.
Throughout this inspiring week, community health centers will work to raise awareness about the affordable health care services they provide and the value they bring to communities across the state. Health centers hope to demonstrate to members of Congress that increased federal funding is needed to ensure continued access to high-quality, affordable healthcare in underserved areas.
Another important part of National Health Center Week is recognizing the contributions of staff, stakeholders, and — most of all — patients, who make up a majority of all health center governing boards. By joining together in celebration and hosting events for their communities, health centers will strengthen bonds and make progress toward a healthier, more vibrant America.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the services community health centers provide on the following focus days:
● Sunday, 8/6 – Public Health in Housing Day
● Monday, 8/7 – Healthcare for People Experiencing Homelessness
● Tuesday, 8/8 – Agricultural Worker Health Day
● Wednesday, 8/9 – Patient Appreciation
● Thursday, 8/10 – Stakeholder Appreciation
● Friday, 8/11 – Health Center Staff Appreciation
● Saturday, 8/12 – Children’s Health’s Day
Visit https://healthcenterweek.org for detailed descriptions of each Focus Group’s events and/or additional information. For any inquiries, reach out to Stacie Borrello, Communications and External Affairs Manager, North Carolina Community Health Center Association, 919-996-9208, borrellos@ncchca.org.
The North Carolina Community Health Center Association encourages press to attend public events during National Health Center Week to report on the innovative ways our health centers provide high-quality primary care and enabling services to underserved communities, furthering their mission of improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities.
About NCCHCA
The North Carolina Community Health Center Association represents 43 Community Health Center (CHC) organizations that operate over 400 clinical sites in 85 N.C. counties and served 743,000 patients in 2021. CHCs are federally funded, nonprofit, patient-governed organizations with a mission of providing integrated primary, dental, and behavioral health care to underserved and rural communities, without regard for insurance status or ability to pay.
