How health centers help improve access and health outcomes

Access to affordable, quality health care is a challenge for millions of people each year.¹ And for those who live in underserved areas, the challenge is even greater due to a lack of nearby providers as well as barriers to transportation. These factors, along with other critical social drivers of health, are why we cannot underestimate the value of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). 

Community health centers currently serve 1 in 11 people across the country.² While most of the patients they serve are low income or on Medicaid, anyone can use a community health center, including children. These facilities provide a variety of care services such as:

• Medical
• Dental
• Behavioral health
• Vision
• Social support

These services are provided regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Over the last several years, the need at these community health centers has increased, reaching record-high numbers² and reinforcing the essential role they play in the health care system.

As a physician and former public health official, I’ve had firsthand experience not only serving patients at an FQHC in East Baltimore, but also protecting the well-being of their communities, particularly those that have been underserved. It’s impressive to see the work that health centers are doing to remove obstacles to care and improve health outcomes. When we can support the good work these community health centers are doing through investments or data and insights, the results can be powerful.  

A few recent examples come to mind:

• The Cowlitz Family Health Center, located in Cowlitz County, Washington, is collaborating with PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Kearney Breast Center and others, to proactively provide mammograms to women in rural areas. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial and this initiative helps close some of the gaps to preventive screenings.
• As part of a community-led initiative in Hawaii, the Mālama I Ke Ola Health Center identifies patients with diabetes, or at risk of developing diabetes, and supplies them with locally grown produce to show how nutritious food can positively impact their overall health.
• In response to the lack of access to care in rural Kentucky, the Johnson County Community Health Center opened earlier this year, offering not only primary care, but also dental, plus support for food, housing and more.

Creating healthier communities is a team effort — and as FQHCs understand the unique needs of communities, they are often the foundation of that work. By providing care, wraparound services and social support to the people who need it most, FQHCs are helping create better health outcomes and healthier populations.