Community Health Centers
In 1965, the first community health centers were established to improve health status by providing access to medical care for the poor and other disenfranchised populations. Today, community health centers, including migrant and homeless health centers, are located in every state of the United States, and most territories. They are non-profit, private corporations which, in addition to providing comprehensive primary care services, also serve as vehicles for community development and economic growth.
Community health centers have four core requirements and must:
- Reach medically underserved communities;
- Govern with community involvement as non-profits;
- Treat patients regardless of ability to pay; and
- Provide a comprehensive scope of services.
Community health centers are an integral part of the communities they serve. Governed by a Board of Directors comprised of at least 51% of actual users, the health centers provide a foundation of community support and responsiveness which ensures user needs are met. All community health centers charge patients according to a sliding fee scale based on income and no one is ever denied services because of an inability to pay. The health center organizations are supported in this effort by a variety of funding sources including federal, state, local, and private grants.