National Health Center Week 2025

Welcome to National Health Center Week 2025

For 60 years, Community Health Centers have stood by communities – offering compassionate, high-quality care no matter your income or insurance status. What started in 1965 as a small program to bring healthcare to areas with limited access has grown into a powerful network that now serves more than 32.5 million people at over 16,000 locations across the country.

Here in Lane County, our health centers are proud to be part of that legacy, serving over 30,000 patients each year with a focus on access, respect and trust. From a school-based health center to behavioral health, dental and primary care services, we work to meet people where they are and support the whole person.

During National Health Center Week 2025, we’re celebrating this incredible journey, and the impact community health centers continue to have right here in Lane County and across the country.

Monday, August 4: Staff Appreciation Day

Community Health Centers couldn’t do this work without the talented and dedicated people who make it all happen!

Here in Lane County, we’re especially proud to celebrate our own team of over 200 incredible CHC staff members. Whether they're providing care, managing schedules, or supporting patients in a hundred other ways, they are the heart of the health center mission. We appreciate each and every one of you!

Tuesday, August 5: Patient Appreciation Day

At Community Health Centers, patients aren’t just receiving care, they’re helping lead it.

Every CHC board is made up of at least 51% patients, meaning major decisions about services, priorities, and programs are made by the people who rely on them most. This unique model keeps health centers grounded in the real needs of their communities — and it works. On Patient Appreciation Day, we celebrate the voices, experiences, and leadership of the patients who power our mission.

Here in Lane County, our active Community Health Council participates in monthly board meetings, working closely with leadership to make sure services meet the needs of the community. They also volunteer at community engagement events, creating awareness of the CHCLC and the opportunity to join the board.

Be sure to check out the quotes below to hear directly from some of our Council members about what this works means to them.

To learn more about the Community Health Council, visit this webpage: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=4211957

Wednesday, August 6, 2025: Health Conditions Focus Day

Community Health Centers are on the front lines of preventing and managing chronic disease. In 2023 alone:

3M patients received diabetes care — 70% reached A1c control
5.7M were treated for high blood pressure — 65% achieved blood pressure control
9M received obesity care — 72% of youth got screened and counseled on nutrition & activity

That’s prevention in action. That’s the value of Community Health Centers.

Here in Lane County, we are celebrating this focus day with a Diabetes Management group class, hosted today at the Charnelton Community Clinic. The 1-hour session includes diabetes education led by a behavioral health specialist, nutrition tips and snacks, and personalized diabetes management screenings after the session. The available screenings provided by the CHC clinical team are A1C testing, oral health screening, foot exam and retinal screening.

Together, we’re empowering patients with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to take control of their health—one step at a time.

Thursday, August 7, 2025: Population Focus Day

No matter who you are or where you live, Community Health Centers are here to serve, with or without insurance, and regardless of your ability to pay. We care for:

1 in 5 rural residents
1 in 6 people who rely on Medicaid for health coverage
1 in 9 children and adolescents
490,000 veterans
1.12 million school-based patients
1.47 million people experiencing homelessness
Plus many more!

That’s what it means to meet people where they are—with care they can trust, no matter their circumstances.

Today, all CHCLC sites will have staff available in the lobby to assist patients with signing up for MyChart. MyChart is the patient portal used by our clinics and many other health care providers in the area, to help patients access their health information, message their care teams, see visit summaries, test results, and more. Patients can also sign up today for a MyChart Skill-Building & Support session happening next week at the Charnelton Community Clinic. This hands-on session will offer step-by-step guidance and answer questions to help patients feel more confident using MyChart.

Sign in here to access MyChart link

Friday, August 8, 2025: Partner Appreciation Day

Community Health Centers don’t do this work alone. We rely on partnerships with hospitals, schools, food banks, housing organizations, and more to keep our communities healthy.

On Partner Appreciation Day, we’re especially proud to recognize the incredible community partners who helped bring our newest clinic, the South Lane Clinic, to life. We’re so grateful for their support!

To learn more about the South Lane Clinic, visit this webpage:
https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=17458113

Be sure to view the quotes below to learn directly from some of our Council members about what this work means to them.