National Health Center Week to be celebrated August 7-13

August 1, 2022

National Health Center Week to be celebrated August 7-13

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 both in person and virtually. The weeklong campaign is set for August 7 to 13. The purpose of this celebration is to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades.

Health centers provide preventive and primary care services to almost 30 million people — including 400,000 veterans — in more than 14,500 communities across America. Health Centers provide care to people who disproportionately suffer from chronic disease and lack access to affordable, quality care.

While COVID-19 continues to exacerbate social and medical inequities across the country, Community Health Centers like Family Health have stretched themselves to reconfigure services for those in need.

During NHCW, we will come together to celebrate the roles Community Health Centers have played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Centers like Family Health have been responsible for administering more than 13 million COVID-19 vaccinations and testing more than 12 million for COVID-19 infections.

The theme for this year’s NHCW is “The Chemistry for Strong Communities.” MCHD/FH has planned special events during NHCW to coordinate with the nation-wide “focus days” that showcase the innovative ways MCHD/FH provides high-quality health care and improving health outcomes.

• On Sunday, August 7, Public Health in Housing Day – MCHD/FH will initiate a social media campaign highlighting accessibility. Additionally, the new Mobile Medical Unit will visit Renaissance and Orange Grove Housing Complex (350 Beauregard Street in Mobile) to offer free blood pressure screenings and distribute educational materials.
• On Monday, August 8, Healthcare for the Homeless Day – MCHD/FH will initiate a social media campaign highlighting COVID-19 testing locations throughout the community. The MCHD/FH Mobile Medical Unit will be out in the community distributing COVID-19 testing supplies.
• On Tuesday, August 9, Agricultural Worker Health Day – MCHD/FH will highlight the Semmes Health Center and its importance within the community servicing agricultural and migrant workers.
• On Wednesday, August 10, Patient Appreciation Day – MCHD/FH will post, via Facebook, patient education information, as well as distribute a token of appreciation in observance of this year’s theme to each patient on this day at each Family Health location.
• On Thursday, August 11, Stakeholder Appreciation Day – MCHD/FH staff will be sending “thank you” notes and a special memento of appreciation to its Governing Council members, who oversee FH operations.
• On Friday, August 12, Health Center Staff Appreciation Day – All MCHD/FH employees will receive a token of appreciation in honor of their hard work and dedication.
• On Saturday, August 13, Children’s Health Day – MCHD/FH will host a back-to-school bash at its Keeler Memorial Building (251 North Bayou Street in Mobile). We hope to 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.