August 9 – 15 is National Health Center Week. This annual celebration’s goal is raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades. This year, the National Health Center Week honors front line providers, staff, and beloved patients who lost their lives during the (ongoing) COVID-19 pandemic. Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of service, care, and strength in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, Community Health Centers offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future.
From the very beginning of the crisis, Community Health Centers began finding innovative ways to provide preventative and primary care to their patients. Health centers serve 27 million patients, which continues to be a growing number. Health centers reach beyond the walls of conventional medicine to address the social determinants of health affecting special patient populations produce innovative solutions to the most pressing health care issues in their communities.
The following days are dedicated to particular areas that spotlight the high-quality care health centers provide as they work to improve health outcomes and narrow health disparities in their communities:
- Sunday, 8/9: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/10: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/11: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/12: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/13: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/14: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/15: Children’s Health Day