The Care Provided by Community Health Centers

In Washington State, the health community centers provide comprehensive primary health care services in both urban and rural settings. These services include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology. Most have their own laboratories and x-ray facilities, and some operate their own pharmacies.

Dental services including preventative, treatment, and restorative care are also provided by most of the health centers. In addition, the health centers provide or contract out for WIC and nutrition, translation, transportation and social work services. Some of the health centers also provide mental health and substance abuse counseling.

Community health centers also emphasize health promotion and preventative services. Health education and community outreach programs are integral components of the health care provided. Immunizations, dental screenings, diabetes education and AIDS education are just a few of the programs initiated by health centers.