CFH on Capitol Hill
Last week, as part of the National Association of Community Health Centers Federal Hill Day, we met with New York City congressional offices who represent our services sites.
On Thursday, February 6th, as part of the National Association of Community Health Centers Federal Hill Day, we met with New York City congressional offices who represent our services sites, including Representatives Nydia Velรกzquez, Jerry Nadler, Adriano Espaillat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ritchie Torres.
We met in coalition with other community health centers (CHCs) from across New York to discuss the following priorities:
- Reauthorization of the community health center fund at $5.8 billion for health centers
- Investments to address the primary care workforce shortage
- Protecting the $340 billion program to stabilize and protect access to cost savings that we reinvest into medication access
- Extending telehealth flexibilities to expand access to audio-only coverage and payment parity
- Highlight the value of Medicaid to health center patients and the impact on long-term savings
We were able to share details about the work CFH does within each of their districts and how essential our work is to ending homelessness. CFH Board Member and Consumer Advocate, Cynthia English, was in attendance to share her own personal story for why CHCs are necessary in the fight against homelessness.
Why is this important?
CHCs provide effective, affordable, and comprehensive primary and preventive care to 32.5 million patients nationwide, particularly in historically underserved communities. CHCs take a community-centered approach, tailoring care to local needs while addressing chronic disease and access barriers related to geography and income. This innovative model reduces costs and improves health outcomes.
Primarily funded through the Community Health Center Fund, CHCs rely on continued advocacy to sustain and expand their services as demand for quality, accessible care grows. The Community Health Center Fund, also known as the 330 Grant, is a federal funding stream that must be periodically reauthorized by Congress. CHCs depend on this funding to combat chronic disease, expand mental health and substance use services, and improve public health.
Despite longstanding bipartisan support, CHCs face challenges due to staffing shortages and rising healthcare costs. With current funding set to expire in March, immediate congressional action is crucial.
Want to help?
Learn more about CHCs and reach out to your members of Congress!
