Andrew Behrman: Celebrate Florida community health centers for National Community Health Center Week

For over 1.5 million children and adults, Florida’s Community Health are the source for their health and well-being. During National Community Health Center Week, (NHCW) Aug. 4-10, we are recognizing the ways these Centers are ‘Rooted in Communities.’

National Health Center Week is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Community Health Centers.

In 2018, Florida’s Community Health Centers, along with a nationwide network of other Community Health Centers collectively provided preventive and primary care services to 28 million people. Community Health Centers are vital, as the need for access to basic care remains a challenge in many underserved communities today.

Florida’s Community Health Centers are an integral part of communities and serve every county across our state, with 500-plus locations providing high-quality, community-based comprehensive care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for services.

Florida’s Community Health Centers provide primary, dental and behavioral health care services, as well as preventative care.

Our Centers also work with Veterans Affairs programs to provide access to health care for veterans, and they offer social services that meet the unique needs of their individual communities by providing transportation, housing and, community outreach services that focus on various topics from money management to employment services.

Every year National Health Center Week is a reminder of the steadfast commitment our health centers have to serve some of the most vulnerable people throughout the nation and providing a health care home for all.

Please join me in recognizing Florida’s Community Health Centers — and the great work they do.

From our family to yours, Happy National Health Center Week!

For more information on your Community Health Center, visit www.fachc.org and click on “Find a Health Center.”

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Andrew Behrman is the president and chief executive officer of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers.