When Toni Zink declared that God told her she was going to be a doctor one day her mother had every reason to be skeptical. Her daughter was only 4 years old. But then again, Toni Zink was a determined young lady who never let something as inconsequential as youth get in the way of …
Category: Health Center News
A Boston Health Center is a Pillar of Support for Veterans
Since Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center (HSNHC) first opened its doors in 1969 it has been an invaluable source of primary care for residents of some of the poorest communities in Boston — Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, and the South End area. It has also become a pillar of support for veterans by providing services close …
Here’s What We Know About the Fires in California & Health Centers
NACHC is closely tracking the fires that have devastated so many communities across Northern and Southern California, particularly the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County and the Tick Fire in Los Angeles County. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency. The Kincade Fire, fueled by strong winds, has swelled to be the state’s largest …
Health Centers Serving More Medicaid Patients Than Ever
Community Health Centers are serving more Medicaid patients than ever. A NACHC analysis reveals that in 2018 health centers served 1 in 5 Medicaid beneficiaries (up from 1 in 6 in 2018, or roughly 14 million people). As the nation’s largest network of safety net primary care providers, health centers serve a large and growing …
Some Place to Go When There’s No Place to Go
Bob’s story found its way to our desk, tucked inside the 2018 Annual Report of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS). Bob, 78, was left early one morning at the door of the health center’s homeless services facility. He was wrapped in cardboard and a blanket. He had been on a harrowing journey between a hospital, …
Back to School! Community Partners Come Together for Young People
When a community school and a Community Health Center come together, you can see the full picture of the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” By definition, a community school is not only focused on academics, but also youth development, family support, health, and social services, and community development through partnerships. In …
$100 Million Telehealth Initiative Unveiled at VA Health Center
High-tech innovation can happen in the unlikeliest places. Take, for instance, Laurel Fork, Virginia, where the Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), visited Tri-Area Community Health Center to unveil a $100 million telehealth initiative. Commissioner Brendan Carr said the Connected Care Pilot Program will support telehealth for low-income Americans across the country, including those living …
Health Center Leader Recognized for Efforts after California Wildfire
Every once in a while we like to shine a light on a health center leader who demonstrates resilience when confronted with a challenge. One such person is Gabriela Bernal-Leroi, Chief Operating Officer for Santa Rosa Community Health (SRCH). In the fall of 2017, a massive wildfire ravaged Northern California, forcing 90,000 people from their …
House Leaders Shift Focus to Health Centers and Primary Care
Shasta Community Health Center CEO Dean Germano shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (TX) before the start of the Health Subcommittee Hearing. As a deadline looms, House legislators have turned their attention towards an extension of critical funding for Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Center program. Recently the …
Thoughts on National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week (April 7-13th) has us ruminating about the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges and bring about positive change in the lives of others. It could be said that Community Health Centers sprang into existence thanks to the spirit and energy of dedicated volunteers and activists. More than 50 years ago …