Celebrating National Health Center Week to increase access to quality health care for all

It’s National Health Center Week, and communities — both at the local and national level — are celebrating in a variety of ways.
 
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the health center movement, so there’s a heightened awareness and focus on wellness and care that is accessible, affordable and high quality via kids’ health fairs, block parties, community health center open houses and other events.
 
“It’s a big deal,” says Lauren Husein, office manager at the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, a Columbus-based nonprofit that represents Ohio’s 44 federally qualified health centers. “Many people do not know what community health centers (CHCs) are or what they do, so it’s important to get this information out. They’re federally funded sites that serve populations consisting of migrant workers, children and individuals who are homeless or low-income. No one will ever be turned away for service, regardless of income or insurance status.”
 
Husein, a Cincinnati native, is attending events across the state this week but says she’s particularly excited to return to her hometown, where she’ll participate in the GE Developing Health Back-to-School Kid’s Health Fair at the Lincoln Heights Health Center, which began in 1967 as Ohio’s first CHC.
 
The Lincoln Heights Health Center and similar facilities in Mt. Healthy and Forest Park make up what is now referred to as The Health Care Connection.
 
“Fun fact: One of their sites is at an old elementary school on Waycross Road, where I used to take dance lessons,” Husein says. “And their CEO actually used to attend my church.”
 
The issue hits close to home for Husein, who will serve as a community health care advocate throughout the week’s festivities.
 
“It’s just so important that the community comes together for health and wellness,” she says. “Everyone deserves equal access to high quality health care. So many individuals in our community are underserved due to economic or social status, and it’s important that people know there are options out there.” 

Do Good: 

• Attend the sixth annual GE Developing Health Back-to-School Kid's Health Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. The event will offer fun fitness activities and free blood pressure checks for all in attendance. 

• Find a National Health Center Week event near you, and attend. 

• Connect with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers on Facebook.