I have had the honor to pen guest columns for The Crusader Newspaper for the past few years, covering a plethora of topics offering tips and advice under the banner “Your Health Matters.” This is the first—and hopefully the only—time that I will tackle a topic where your help is being solicited.
For those who may not be aware, I am the founder and CEO of Community HealthNet Health Centers, with several locations across Northwest Indiana. While in med school, I recognized the dire need for health care centers, particularly in communities that were underrepresented and poverty-stricken. I have spent my entire career establishing centers in the region so that even those who could not afford health care could still receive it.
As Community Health Centers (CHCs) mark 60 years of saving lives and dollars on behalf of patients, they are now themselves in need of critical assistance. Federal funding that is allotted to keep CHCs open expires January 30, 2026. Without action from Congress, patient access will surely be at risk.
Currently, CHCs care for more patients than ever before, serving 52 million people across 17,000 locations nationwide. They include:
- Over 10 million rural residents (1 in 3)
- More than 20 million people who live in poverty (1 in 3)
- More than 6 million uninsured people (1 in 5)
Statistics show that CHCs serve 1 in 7 Americans, yet account for only 1 percent of total U.S. health care spending, saving Medicaid and Medicare billions of dollars annually by reducing costly emergency, inpatient, and specialty care.
In essence, Community Health Centers are needed. For all of the critical care that has been given and lives saved, there is a meaningful way that we can collectively return the favor. Let’s exercise our rights to ensure that every Community Health Center can continue delivering high-quality, affordable care.
Please follow this link, https://bit.ly/CHC-Funding, requesting Congress to protect Community Health Center funding before January 30. Once you have raised your voice, share this link with your family, friends, and extended network.
The support that CHCs have provided for decades should not be overlooked. Let’s show up for them like they have shown up for us time and time again. Community Health Centers matter!