A community health center (CHC) is a federally-designated public or nonprofit community-owned health care organization which provides access to comprehensive primary health care services to populations that face financial, geographic, language, cultural, and other barriers to care.
Often referred to as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), CHCs provide access to high-quality, affordable primary care, preventive services, and enabling services, including case management and transportation. In addition, CHCs often provide on-site dental, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and substance abuse services.
Community health center services are available to anyone within the defined service area, and all services are provided on a sliding fee scale based upon income and family size. No one is turned away from a community health center for an ability to pay.
Not sure how a community health center is different from a rural health clinic?
Check out these key areas in this comparison chart.
Key Activities for CHC Development
Becoming a federally-funded community health center (CHC) is a long and arduous process, which is equally rewarding and challenging. While there is no singular process a community or organization should take in evaluating the CHC program, the following key activities will help streamline the process.
- Community Involvement
- Secure Designations
- Conduct Needs Assessment
- Facilitate A Readiness Assessment
- Develop a Grant Application
