Updated August 2023.
National Health Center Week is celebrated every August, which is why we want to take this time to highlight why having a Federally Qualified Health Center in our community is so important!
For this post, we’re going to briefly describe what a Federally Qualified Health Center is, give you some quick facts about Health Centers nationwide, and talk about what we’re doing as a Health Center locally.
What is a Federally Qualified Health Center/Community Health Center?
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we are a community-based healthcare provider that receives funds from the government’s Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas. We serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, and can provide services to those with and without insurance.
And according to the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC.org), “studies show the quality of care health centers deliver is as good or even better than what patients may experience visiting a private practice, yet the range of services found under one roof is also affordable.”
As an FQHC, we also “must meet a stringent set of requirements, including providing care on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay and operating under a governing board that includes patients (HRSA.gov).”
FQHCs can also be called Community Health Centers!
Health Center Facts:
The impact health centers have on their communities, and the nation is big! These Health Center facts focus on Community, Migrant, Homeless, and Public Housing Health Centers as a whole:
- In 2021, Health Centers served over 30 million patients for the first time– a number that continues to grow along with the demand for affordable primary care (NAHC.org).
- As of 2022, there are over 1,400 health center organizations operating more than 14,000 service delivery locations in every state and territory (NAHC.org).
- Many patients come to health centers for help with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
- Health centers employ over 300,000 people of all skill & education levels, including health professionals, administration & facility & support staff (NAHC.org).
- Health centers produce over $85 billion in economic output in the communities where they operate and provide 500,000+ direct and indirect jobs (NAHC.org, 2021).
- 99% of surveyed patients said that they were satisfied with the care they receive at health centers (NAHC.org, 2016).
If you’re interested in learning more about health centers, you can read our blog – Myths About Community Health Centers Debunked – And #5 Might Surprise You or check out this infographic from the National Association of Health Centers!
The Family Health Clinic’s Local Impact
Family Health Clinic of Carroll County was launched in 1995 by Dr. Jo Brooks, a Purdue University School of Nursing professor, to provide quality primary healthcare to individuals unable to obtain care due to financial or access challenges.
Since then, the Family Health Clinic has expanded in many ways.
- We have achieved our status as a Federally Qualified Health Center and a Patient-Centered Medical Home Level 2 Designation.
- We have grown into four clinics located in Burlington, Delphi, Monon, and Wolcott.
- We have become known as a leader in the community for high-quality primary care and preventive care.
In October of 2022, the Family Health Clinic had already seen more than 7,000 patients and had over 18,000 visits for the year. If you are interested in becoming one of our patients, you can schedule an appointment with us at (800) 321-5043!
Last but certainly not least, we’d like to thank the community for supporting us as your local health center for all of these years! We look forward to providing you with quality care close to home.
