National Health Center Week: Celebrating Community Health and Access for All
Every August, communities across the United States come together to celebrate and honor National Health Center Week (NHCW)—an opportunity to honor the mission and success of Community Health Centers (CHCs) as a lifeline to millions of Americans.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, patient, advocate, or concerned citizen, NHCW is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equitable access to healthcare and the dedicated professionals who provide it.
What Is National Health Center Week?
National Health Center Week is a national observance that raises awareness about the vital role of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in delivering primary care to underserved communities.
CHCs provide comprehensive services, including:
Preventive care
Long-term disease management
Mental and dental health services
Pharmacy access
Uninsured or income-indifferent services
More than 30 million patients receive care in these centers annually, with them being some of the country’s largest networks of primary care providers.
When Is It Celebrated?
National Health Center Week falls in early to mid-August every year. In the year 2025, it will be commemorated August 4–10, 2025.
Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific population or theme, such as:
• Public Health in Housing Day
• Healthcare for the Homeless Day
• Agricultural Worker Health Day
• Children’s Health Day
• Patient Appreciation Day
These topics highlight the diversity of populations treated by CHCs and the special concerns they pose.
Activities During National Health Center Week
Nationwide, health centers and affiliated organizations will be celebrating events to mark the week. Events normally include:
Free Health Screenings
• Cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure
• Vision and dental exams
• STI/HIV screening
• Mental health exams
Health Education Workshops
• Maternal and child health workshops
• Exercise and nutrition classes
• Diabetes and hypertension management
• Healthy lifestyle workshops
Community Events
• Family health fairs
• Children’s events and giveaways
• Patient appreciation days
• Back-to-school fairs with free school supplies
Advocacy and Public Engagement
• Healthcare access policy forums
• Elected official office visits
• Voter registration drives
These events not only honor the services provided by CHCs but also engage the wider community in discussion about health equity.
How to Get Involved
•Join a Local Event: Check your local health center or their website for future NHCW events.
•Message Share: Share social media posts with the #NHCW2025 hashtag to spread the word.
•Volunteer: Centers often require assistance during events.
•Thank a Health Center Worker: A simple act goes a long way in acknowledging healthcare heroes.
Final Thoughts
National Health Center Week is only an event—it’s an invitation to recall the essential necessity of open, friendly, and community-oriented healthcare. As we honor the providers and workers that keep it all happening, let’s reaffirm our commitment to advocating for policies and practices that empower health centers and the individuals they serve.
If you’re interested in participating or want to take advantage of free screenings and wellness services, now is the time.
Locate a health center in your area: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
