August 2, 2021

National Health Center Week to be celebrated August 8-14

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 8 to 14. The purpose of this annual 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 and have continued to do so while facing a global pandemic. Community 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.

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 8, Public Health in Housing Day – MCHD/FH will initiate a social media campaign highlighting the locations most convenient and accessible to public housing complexes.
• On Monday, August 9, Healthcare for the Homeless Day – MCHD/FH will initiate a social media campaign highlighting COVID testing locations throughout the community.
• On Tuesday, August 10, 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 11, Patient Appreciation Day – MCHD/FH will post, via Facebook, patient education information, as well as distribute a surprise token of appreciation in observance of this year’s theme to each patient on this day at each Health Center site location.
• On Thursday, August 12, Stakeholder Appreciation Day – MCHD/FH staff will be sending “thank you” notes to its Governing Council members, who oversee FH operations.
• On Friday, August 13, Health Center Staff Appreciation Day – All MCHD/FH employees will receive a surprise token of appreciation in observance of this year’s theme.
• On Saturday, August 14, Children’s Health Day – MCHD/FH will post a video on Facebook of fun “at-home” science experiments for children. We hope to raise awareness of the importance of children receiving the CDC recommended childhood vaccinations.

Community Health Centers, such as Family Health, are community-based and local and collectively Health Centers represent the backbone of the nation’s primary care system. Community Health Centers lower health care costs to the tune of $24 billion a year, reduce rates of chronic diseases, and stimulate local economies.