Community Health Centers: 5 Reasons They Are Essential
As a child of the 60’s, I remember vividly going to my small town’s community health center. This is where we received our vaccinations. I can see it in my mind, waiting in line to get the shot. This was the smallpox vaccine that left us with a circle shaped indented scar. Yes, I’m a wee bit old.
Celebrating 60 Years of Community Health Centers
Affordable Healthcare For All
Community health centers are where all people can find healthcare. In fact, 52 million patients have been served at community health centers in 2025. This number includes the fact that 1 in 3 people in rural areas are served by community health centers. The main service is primary care, and realize that preventing illness is the thing. Charges are based on a sliding-scale, so that patients pay according to their income and family size.
Preventive Care
In order to prevent diseases, the community health centers work on factors that may cause bad health – diet, nutrition, mental illness, or homelessness. The patients ability to pay doesn’t count. Many people don’t have transportation, so it’s provided.
Improve Chronic Illness Outcomes
Because these clinics have the ability to improve the outcome of those with chronic illnesses, many patients won’t end up in the emergency room with advanced disease. Controlling diabetes, hypertension, and asthma saves lives and money.
New Technology is Available
96% of Clinics use electronic medical records, which helps people take their records easily to a private practice. The majority of clinics also use telehealth care. Not only that, but there are dental and pharmacy services.
Save Money
Community health centers don’t rely on insurance payments. They partner with larger health systems, private business, and the government to offer these services.
Acquiring medical services from a community health center can lower the national costs of Medicaid by over 50 Billion dollars. However, with the latest Medicaid cuts and loss of ACA subsidies, revenue for the community health centers has decreased. Some rural clinics have closed or consolidated. When a rural clinic closes, many people can’t travel to one in a different city.
Well, you’ve seen some reasons to keep community health centers open. In this Community Health Clinic Awareness Week, I encourage you to learn more and be supportive on the 60th year they’ve been improving health care in America.
@2026, copyright Lisa Ehrman
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.
https://www.nachc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PolicyPapers_NationalValueImpact_FINAL_Jan2025.pdf
