National Health Center Week to be celebrated August 6-12 07.31.2023

July 31, 2023

National Health Center Week to be celebrated August 6-12

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) and Family Health (FH), its primary care division, are observing National Health Center Week (NHCW) with special activities planned. The weeklong campaign is set for August 6 to 12. The purpose of this celebration is to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades.

Community Health Centers provide comprehensive care to more than 30 million patients at 14,500 service delivery sites in every U.S. state and territory. They are not-for-profit organizations driven by the mission to improve the well-being of the communities they serve. By providing highly coordinated and integrated care, Community Health Centers save the healthcare system more than $24 billion annually in reduced emergency, hospital, and specialty care costs.

During NHCW, centers will come together to celebrate the impact Community Health Centers have in their communities.

The theme for this year’s NHCW is “Community Health Centers: The Roadmap to a Stronger America.” This theme takes people on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory.

MCHD/FH has planned special events during NHCW to coordinate with the nation-wide “focus days.”

• Monday, August 7, Healthcare for the Homeless Day and Public Health in Housing Day – MCHD/FH will celebrate both focus days together by featuring the Mobile Medical Unit at Bienville Square from 8 a.m. to noon and at the Prichard Housing Authority from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 8, Agricultural Worker Health Day – MCHD/FH will highlight the Semmes Health Center and its importance within the community servicing agricultural and migrant workers.
• Wednesday, August 9, Patient Appreciation Day – MCHD/FH will distribute a token of appreciation in observance of this year’s theme to each patient on this day at each Family Health location. Additionally, MCHD/FH will host a Health Fair at the Keeler Memorial Building (251 North Bayou Street in Mobile).
• Thursday, August 10, Stakeholder Appreciation Day – MCHD/FH staff will be thanking their Governing Council members for their guidance and support of the health center’s mission. Over half of the members of Family Health’s Governing Council are patients of Family Health. This ensures patients are involved in the decision-making for the health center.
• Friday, August 11, Health Center Staff Appreciation Day – All MCHD/FH employees will be celebrated for their hard work and dedication.
• Saturday, August 12, Children’s Health Day – MCHD/FH will host a back-to-school bash at its Keeler Memorial Building (251 North Bayou Street in Mobile) from 8 a.m. to noon. This event will raise awareness of the importance of children receiving the CDC recommended childhood vaccinations.

Community Health Centers, such as Family Health, continue to prove an effective means of overcoming barriers to healthcare access, including geography, income, and insurance status – improving healthcare outcomes and reducing healthcare system costs.