Celebrating National Health Center Week with HEALing Community Health: Transforming Communities, One Patient at a Time
By Dr. Verneda Bachus Curry
As the CEO of HEALing Community Health, I am thrilled to join in the celebration of National Health Center Week, an annual event held every August that highlights the transformative power of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the nation. This week is not just a celebration but a valuable opportunity to reflect, educate, and inspire.
A Time to Celebrate
National Health Center Week shines a spotlight on the significant impact that FQHCs such as HEALing Community Health have on our communities. Our mission is to serve underserved and vulnerable populations by providing accessible, high-quality primary care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay. We are essential providers of comprehensive care, offering services ranging from medical, dental, and behavioral health to maternal, pediatric, and wraparound services.
Across the nation, FQHCs deliver evidence-based, comprehensive healthcare services to over 32.5 million patients, representing more than 10% of the U.S. population — including those with low incomes, residents of rural areas, and people who are uninsured or underinsured. By removing barriers and building paths to health equity, we ensure that everyone in our community has access to the care they need.
We also take this opportunity to recognize our dedicated care teams—nurses, physicians, operational staff, administrative personnel, and leaders—who are committed to patient-centered care and improving health outcomes every day.
A Time to Educate & Advocate
National Health Center Week also provides an opportunity to educate and advocate. We aim to increase awareness of the wide range and depth of FQHC services among patients, partners, and policymakers. It is essential to advocate for ongoing funding and supportive legislation to ensure FQHCs can keep expanding access to care and meeting community needs.
A Time to Reaffirm Commitment to Community
This week serves as a powerful reminder of our mission: to uplift communities by removing healthcare barriers and promoting equity. Guided by the principles of compassion, quality, and partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to serving everyone with dignity and respect.
More Than Just a Commemoration
National Health Center Week is more than just an annual event. It is a movement—a yearly spark that reminds us why FQHCs are essential to community health. I am proud to stand with the HEALing Community Health board and team to celebrate our collective impact with health centers across the country.
Join us in recognizing the vital role of FQHCs and advocating for the continued support and growth of community health centers. Together, we can make a difference – one patient, one family, one neighborhood, one community at a time.