The outcome of the 2024 election will reshape the policy framework in Washington and communities around the country. As a nonpartisan movement for the past 60 years, the Community Health Center mission to advance health for all communities through high quality, affordable primary care remains unchanged. As our nation’s largest primary care network, health centers are the backbone of the health system, providing care to a record-setting 32.5+ million people – one in 10 Americans – while representing just 1 percent of all U.S. healthcare spending. We stand ready to partner with new leaders across the political spectrum to prioritize the health of our patients, who include:
419,000 veterans
9.4 million children
3.8 million seniors
More than 9.9 million rural residents
Health centers have long been recognized for their vital role in improving health outcomes and reducing costs across the health system. We are grateful for the ongoing bipartisan and bicameral support from leaders in Congress who understand the profound impact and cost savings of our work. In addition to delivering comprehensive, integrated primary care with behavioral, oral, pharmacy, specialty, and enabling services, our mission extends “beyond the walls of the exam room” and addresses the social and environmental drivers of health. We not only prevent acute and chronic illness, but also help divert patients from costly hospitalizations and emergency care. This proactive approach is a proven model that has endured through political shifts and continues to demonstrate its value in both saving lives and generating a significant return on investment for communities and the health system.
We look forward to working with the new Administration and leaders in Congress to ensure sustainability for our model of care and to continue to address the public health challenges of our time.
National Association of Community Health Centers| nachc.org