National Health Center Week August 4-10 Celebrates Federally Qualified Health Centers Throughout WNY

Recognizing impact across the eight counties of WNY serving one in 10 residents

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Federally qualified health centers (FQHC) and FQHC look-alikes throughout Western New York are proud to celebrate National Health Center Week from August 4 – 10. The annual event highlights the essential role community health centers play in improving public health and advancing health equity.

This year’s National Health Center Week celebration, launched by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), focuses on “Powering Communities Through Caring Connections” through a host of scheduled events that include patient and staff appreciation giveaways, health screenings, spotlighting partners advancing community health center priorities, and additional resources.

Participating health centers in Western New York, include:

• Evergreen Health – Buffalo, Jamestown
• The Chautauqua Center– Dunkirk, Jamestown, Forestville, Gowanda, Mayville
• Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc.; – Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Lockport, Niagara Falls
• Jericho Road– Buffalo
• Neighborhood Health Center – Blasdell, Buffalo, Hamburg
• Universal Primary Care– Bradford, Cuba, Houghton, Olean, Salamanca
• Oak Orchard Health – Brockport

With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, health centers save lives on the front lines of our nation’s most pressing public health challenges. They are powered by a workforce of dedicated professionals who reach beyond the exam room to not only prevent illness but address the social drivers that may cause it – climate change, homelessness, substance use disorders, food insecurity and behavioral health.

In Western New York, one in 10 residents are served by FQHC and FQHC Look-Alikes, of whom 19% are uninsured, 62% are publicly insured, 90% are people with low incomes, 63% are members of racial and/or ethnic minority groups and 32% are served by health centers in rural communities.

“Evergreen Health is proud to serve over 25,000 patients with medical, supportive and behavioral services in an environment that is unconditionally inclusive, compassionate, respectful and judgement-free,” said Mike Lee, chief operating officer for Evergreen Health. “Federally qualified health centers across Western New York provide underserved communities with access to necessary care and our unique model treats the whole patient to improve health outcomes and empowers patients to lead healthier, happier lives.”

“The American healthcare system is broken and does not center the people who need it most. Community health centers often care for those who, otherwise, could not afford or access medical care. So many of our patients have been pushed to the margins and made vulnerable by oppressive systems. Our dedication to whole-person health means that we not only care for them in office and hospital settings, but we also find ways to address the social drivers of health that make them sick—like building more language access, providing doula support during childbirth​, and giving shelter to those who do not have a home. We stand in the gap, we advocate, and we care for the most vulnerable. That is the work of a community health center. We will continue to care for our communities and advocate for systemic health equity, as best we can,” said Dr. Myron Glick, Founder and CEO of Jericho Road Community Health Center.  

Brett Lawton, Chief Executive Officer, Universal Primary Care/Southern Tier Community Health Center Network said, “Working with our patient-lead board of directors and our amazing employees to deliver high quality, compassionate primary health care to our communities is our highest honor!”

“The health center movement began 50 years ago when civil rights activists fought to improve the lives of people living in deep poverty,” said Neighborhood Health Center President and CEO Joanne Haefner, FNP. “We are continuing the fight for health equity at Neighborhood Health Center where no one is turned away for inability to pay.”

“National Health Center week is a nice time to highlight the dedication of our hardworking family members in addition to bringing awareness about the services health centers offer. The work being done by the health centers throughout Western New York is vital to our communities and should garner more attention than they do. Without them thousands of people would have no access to healthcare services they need,” said Michael C Pease, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Chautauqua Center.

Beyond offering essential medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health services to all, regardless of insurance status, Oak Orchard Health (OOH) significantly contributes to the local economy. “In 2022 alone, Oak Orchard injected $67,765,000 into the community and fostered the creation of 520 local jobs. Moreover, the center’s employees, by spending their earnings locally, further amplify this positive impact,” said Karen Kinter, CEO, Oak Orchard Health.

“National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the essential role community health centers play in providing quality medical care to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, income, or health insurance status,” said Dr. LaVonne Ansari, PhD, chief executive officer/executive director, Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. “This week is a celebration of our commitment to accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all. Our mission is to ensure healthcare equity, and we are committed to serving our community year-round with excellence and compassion.”

Health centers represent the nation’s largest primary care network, serving 31.5 million patients nationwide, and work to improve the health and well-being of medically underserved communities.

To learn more about National Health Center Week, visit www.nachc.org.