National Community Health Centers Week Is August 4th – 10th

“I am Casey Hull, I am the COO at Highland Medical Center.”

”I’m Tish Amirault, and I’m the Quality and Risk Management Coordinator at Highland Medical Center.”

“The National Association of Community Health Centers designates the first full week in August to commemorate Community Health Center Week. Highland Medical Center is part of a nationwide network of locally run health centers that serve more than 28 million people nationwide. National Community Health Centers are on the front lines of national public health challenges, whether it be caring for veterans, providing opioid treatment, or responding to natural disasters. They are also a lifeline in remote and underserved communities where the nearest doctor or hospitals can be as far as 50 miles or more away. Nearly half of health centers are located in rural communities.”

She continued, “This year’s Health Centers Week is being rooted in communities, and highlights how health centers are in the forefront of a nationwide shift in addressing environmental and social factors as an integral part of primary care. Community health centers’ success in managing chronic disease in medically vulnerable communities has helped reduce health care costs for American taxpayers.”

“Each day of National Health Center Week focuses on a different health need. Sunday is Social Determinants Day.”

“The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people live, work play, and age in. They encompass socio-economic conditions, environmental conditions, institutional power and social networks. Understanding patients’ social determinants allows health centers to transform care within an integrated service pattern to meet the needs of their patients and communities.

“In an effort to better understand and assess these social determinants, the Health Resources and Services Administration has developed a prepare assessment tool. For more information, visit our Facebook page on Sunday to learn about the prepare form.”

“Monday, August 5th is Health Care for the Homeless Day.”

“The definition of homelessness has changed in the recent months. The Housing and Urban Development Commission has come up with new definitions of what homelessness is. Homelessness is defined by individuals or families who lack a fixed regular adequate nighttime residence.”

“It also includes individuals or families being evicted within 14 days from their primary nighttime residence.”

“Homelessness can also be defined as individuals or families who are fleeing from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or other life threatening conditions.”

“Tuesday, August 6th is Agricultural Worker Health Center Day.”

“Community health centers serve approximately 20% of the estimated 4.5 million agricultural workers in the United States.”

“Wednesday, August 7th is Patient Appreciation Day.”

“The Highland Medical Center could not continue to exist without the support of our patients and community.”

“Thursday, August 8th is Stakeholder Appreciation Day.”

“There’s been a long history of bipartisan support from our local and national legislators in funding community health centers. We appreciate the continued support of our local legislators to help navigate the needs and shortcomings that face our community.”

“Friday, August 9th is Health Center Staff Appreciation Day.”

“The incredible value health centers bring to their patients and communities is because of the diligent work of health center staff and volunteers. If you see any of the Highland Medical Center staff and volunteers today, be sure and thank them for their service.”

“Saturday, August 10th is Children’s Health Day.”

“This year, the National Association of Community Health Centers has paired with Sesame Street for children’s health education. Be sure to visit our Facebook page on Saturday for the link to the Sesame Street and communities learning site. Likewise, more information about each specific day for National Health Center Week can be found on our Facebook page each day next week.”

“Be sure to stop by HMC on Wednesday, August 7th, between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. There will be tours and information about our Wellness Center and classes offered there. Healthy snacks will also be provided.”

“Participants will also be entered into a drawing to win Wellness Dollars towards Wellness Center fees or classes offered by HMC. We will also be hosting a Facebook contest with the winner receiving a $50 Visa gift card.”