By Ken Burdick
It’s National Health Center Week, a time to recognize and raise
awareness for our nation’s community health centers.
Each year, community health centers
serve more than 27 million Americans
and report approximately 104 million visits
annually—and the numbers continue to rise.
What makes these centers such a
growing, critical resource?
·
A focus on treating underserved populations. Community health
centers offer accessible, affordable and comprehensive primary care services to
more than 1 in 12 Americans in need, from low income, minority and homeless
individuals to seniors, families and children.
·
Integrated services all “under one roof.” It’s not uncommon
to find medical, dental, mental health and substance abuse services located in
one center. This serves as a significant benefit for individuals who lack
access to transportation or other services. Centers also enable access to
social and human services such as food, housing, WIC, financial assistance and
more.
·
Improved population health. With 10,400 urban and rural
locations nationwide, community healthcare centers in nearly all sites help
improve quality of life for patients. In fact, community health center patients
have fewer low birth weight babies and higher rates of diabetes and blood pressure control compared to
the national average.
While community health centers are integral to improving
population health, they are also vital to managing overall healthcare costs.
These centers save approximately $24 billion per year by reducing unnecessary
hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
In honor of National Health Center Week, WellCare partnered in
our communities to drive additional awareness. We joined forces with the Family
Health Centers of Georgia to support mothers by distributing diapers, baby
wipes and other healthy baby items, and in Hawaii, we’re partnering with Bay
Clinic to support a Healthcare for the Homeless Day where ‘Ohana Health Plan
associates are managing a clothing drive for those in need. We’re also hosting
events in Missouri, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina to show our
support.
Let’s rally together to raise awareness and keep our community
healthcare centers at the forefront of healthcare discussions so that they can
remain open and accessible for all.
Our nation’s neediest populations are depending on us.
Kenneth A. Burdick is the CEO of WellCare Health Plans
https://blog.wellcare.com/2018/08/16/raising-awareness-for-our-nations-community-healthcare-centers/
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