By law, Community Health Center boards must be comprised of at least 51% community members. Community board members are individuals who live in the community served by the health center, are patients, and represent others who are served by the health center in terms of demographics such as race, ethnicity, and gender. The model works because it ensures that patients represent the needs and voice of the community. Today, we celebrate patients and community board members who keep health centers accountable and abreast of community needs:
To celebrate Patient Appreciation Day consider:
- Staff Recognition. Host a staff open house with events, prizes, and recognition activities.
- Engage the board for advocacy.
About National Health Center Week:
National Health Center Week (August 7 – 13 2022) is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades.
Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future. Let’s come together this week to celebrate the roles Community Health Centers have played in both our recent moments of loss and triumph. This National Health Center Week honors those front line providers, staff, and beloved patients who lost their lives during the (ongoing) COVID-19 pandemic. From the very beginning of the crisis, Community Health Centers began finding innovative ways to provide preventative and primary care to their patients.
During this week of remembrance, light a candle for those community health leaders, patients that we lost. As we commemorate those lives and celebrate the future of Community Health, let’s shine a light across the country that will embody the future of primary health care aces for underserved populations. Shine a light on your Community Health Center and share the value that it brings to everyone who it touches.