National Health Center Week, celebrated annually in August, recognizes the crucial role that community health centers (Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)), play in providing accessible and affordable healthcare to millions of Americans. This year, from August 4 to 10, we join the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) in celebrating and increasing awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers (CHCs). At Southeast Healthcare, we are proud to be part of this essential network, delivering comprehensive care to those in need.
The History and Significance of National Health Center Week
National Health Center Week (NHCW) was established to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades. These health centers, like Southeast Healthcare, provide essential services to underserved communities, offering primary care, mental health services, dental care, and social services, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. They are community-based and patient-directed organizations that serve as a safety net for vulnerable populations.
This year’s theme, Powering Communities through Caring Connections, emphasizes the vital role health centers play in building stronger, healthier communities. It highlights the integration of healthcare services with social determinants of health, ensuring holistic care that addresses not only medical needs but also social, environmental, and economic factors impacting health.
Southeast Healthcare: Our Commitment to Comprehensive Care
At Southeast Healthcare, we embody the spirit of National Health Center Week through our unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our community. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families by offering a wide range of services, including:
- Primary Care Health and Wellness Services: At Southeast, we treat the whole person. Our holistic approach addresses physical, behavioral, and life wellness needs together to help our patients live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Our clinics are based on an integrated healthcare model, which promotes collaboration and integrates care across specialties.
- Substance Use Services: We offer outpatient treatment for substance use disorders and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol dependence. Southeast uses the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to establish the level of care appropriate to meet the patient’s needs.
- Mental Health Services: Recognizing the importance of mental health, Southeast Healthcare offers extensive behavioral health services, including counseling, psychiatric care, and care management services. Our integrated approach leads to improved outcomes for our patients.
- Homeless Services: We provide primary healthcare, dental, and other services for persons experiencing homelessness. These services are provided in our clinic offices and by health coaches who go to various places in our communities. At Southeast, we are dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness through our FQHC services.
Empowering Communities Through Caring Connections
In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and understanding. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. Southeast Healthcare is committed to empowering our community by fostering connections with our patients through partnerships and affiliations.
National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Center staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to more than 31.5 million patients across nearly 15,000 communities annually. We invite you to celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know those dedicated to building lasting partnerships.
We look to the future with optimism and determination. Southeast Healthcare is committed to expanding our services, reaching more individuals with unmet needs, and continuously improving the quality of care we provide. We envision a community where everyone can access the healthcare and support they need to thrive.
Please join us at our health fairs at our Franklin County and St. Clairsville locations. For details, click here: https://southeasthc.org/events/
Happy National Health Center Week from Southeast Healthcare! Thank you for being part of our journey and for your continued support.