What is a Community Health Center?

Community Health Centers are nonprofit, patient-governed organizations committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive primary health care to America's medically underserved communities, serving all patients regardless of income or insurance status.

Since the nation’s first health Community Health Centers opened in 1965, expansion of the federally supported health center system to over 1,400 organizations has created an affordable health care option for 31.5 million people. Health centers operate in every state, U.S. territory, and the District of Columbia.

Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers — also called Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Interested in learning more about Community Health Centers and their work?
Visit the National Association of Community Health Centers website

Interested in the Health Center Program's history and development?
Visit the HRSA Health Center program website

Learn more about TN CHCs
in our Site Guide

View profiles on each of our members, their services, and patients in the TPCA CHC Site Guide.

View here

There are four key components that define health centers and
help them reach America’s most underserved communities. 

Open to Everyone

Regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and offer sliding fee scale options to low-income patients.

Comprehensive Set of Services

Based on community needs, health centers offer medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, and enabling  services.

Located in Areas of Highest Need

Designated as medically underserved areas or populations by the federal government.

Patient-Majority Governing Boards

At least 51% of every health center’s governing board must be made up  of patients.