As you know, our community health centers face a critical moment. Funding for community health services is at risk, and without it, millions of patients across the county--including those right here in our own communities--may lose access to essential care.
Community Health Centers (CHCs) get their money from two main sources. One is approved by Congress each year, and the other comes from a special fund called the Community Health Center Fund (CHCF), which has to be renewed every so often. Both types of funding ended on September 30. A September 29th meeting between President Trump and Congressional leaders did not lead to a path forward. With the government shut down, the future of this funding remains unknown.
While community health centers feel they have enough funding to stay open for some time during the shutdown, it is essential that our legislators understand the impacts to our communities if they do not resolve these issues and renew funding.
In September, when the call went out to staff to take action, several you answered. You picked up the phone, called your legislators, and made your voices heard. Because of your advocacy, lawmakers were reminded that community health centers are not just clinics --they are lifelines for families, children, seniors, farmworkers, and all who depend on affordable, quality care close to home.
While this fight is still going on, your dedication shows that advocacy can be part of caring for patients. Every call you made told the story of why our work matters:
- That families deserve a safe place to turn when their children are sick.
- That those without insurance still need preventative and primary care.
- That healthy communities are stronger communities.
Thanks to your action, we have a better chance of securing the funding needed to keep our doors open, our services strong, and or mission alive.
We are deeply grateful to every staff member who took the time to step beyond the clinic walls and raise their voice. Advocacy is teamwork--and you showed what it means to come together for our patients and our future. Thank you!