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Posted on Aug 9, 2016

Reasons Community Health Centers Are Innovators In Health Care

One of the bright spots in America’s health care system, health centers started over 50 years ago as a pilot project during President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. Health centers not only prevent illness and foster wellness in the most challenging populations, they produce innovative solutions to the most pressing health care issues in their communities.

by Marisol Murphy-Ballantyne

Community Contributor

For these and many reasons we celebrate America's Health Centers during National Health Center Week (#NHCW16).

"This week, let us thank the dedicated professionals in our community health centers who provide quality care at affordable prices. Let us build on their efforts to improve the well-being of our people and together continue working to bring about a stronger, healthier Nation for all."- National Health Center Week 2016 White House Proclamation

To learn more about Community Health Centers visit: www.nachc.org. Follow #NHCW16 to learn more about how health centers are celebrating this week!

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Reasons Community Health Centers Are Innovators In Health Care

Community Health Centers are bipartisan.

96% of health centers are using electronic health records (EHR).

Community Health Centers aim to increase health care access for all.

Community Health Centers are on the frontlines of public health promotion.

Community Health Centers embrace technology, including telemedicine.

Community Health Centers also provide integrated care that includes behavioral health services, because…

Community Health Centers not only provide health screenings, they also screen patients for health coverage eligibility.

Community Health Centers recognize that health starts where people live, learn, work and play, so they think outside the box to address their patients’ health care needs.

Help patients improve their health literacy.

Bring communities together to offer healthier food items through community gardens and farmers markets.

Partner with local grocery stores to provide fresh produce and a solution to food deserts.

Work with the National Park Service to prescribe visiting safe, local parks to prevent and treat chronic disease and promote wellness.

Encourage the love of reading among children.

Offer programs—like group fitness classes— that encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Teach patients how to make the most of their meals and eat healthy.

Save the health system $24 billion dollars annually by reducing unnecessary emergency room use.

Work to end bullying.

Help communities prepare for and help during emergencies.

Help older Americans continue living full lives as their health care needs continue to change.

Address the shortage of medical providers by creating new pipelines to the primary care workforce.

Form medical-legal partnerships to help patients with legal issues impacting their health.

Reasons Community Health Centers Are Innovators In Health Care

Community Health Centers are bipartisan.

96% of health centers are using electronic health records (EHR).

Community Health Centers aim to increase health care access for all.

Community Health Centers are on the frontlines of public health promotion.

Community Health Centers embrace technology, including telemedicine.

Community Health Centers also provide integrated care that includes behavioral health services, because…

Community Health Centers not only provide health screenings, they also screen patients for health coverage eligibility.

Community Health Centers recognize that health starts where people live, learn, work and play, so they think outside the box to address their patients’ health care needs.

Save the health system $24 billion dollars annually by reducing unnecessary emergency room use.

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