Fueled by widespread support, federal grants, and - especially following the ACA - public and private insurance revenue, community health centers (CHCs) have evolved from their early roots as a small demonstration program. Today, CHCs are the backbone of the primary care safety net for underserved low-income communities and diverse populations, serving more than 32 million people across America. Yet health centers are facing unprecedented headwinds.
Writing in Health Affairs Forefront, Sara Rosenbaum, Feygele Jacobs and Marsha Regenstein discuss the growth of CHCs and the mounting policy stressors facing health center patients, communities, and organizations on the eve of OBBBA implementation. The expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, Medicaid cuts, and eligibility restrictions for many immigrants will have deep and widespread impact. Health centers have both a unique mission and a long and distinguished history of innovation and agility. Understanding how they adapt to current policy changes is essential to the future of the health center program and of primary care more broadly.
Read, What’s In a Name? Challenges Facing Community Health Centers After HR 1
Distinguished Visitor Recap
The Geiger Gibson Distinguished Visitor program, established in 2004, is one of many activities of the Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health. This annual activity recognizes leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the health center program in service to medically underserved communities and populations, and provides a unique learning opportunity for the School community. We recently welcomed Mary Ann Zelazny, CEO of Finger Lakes Community Health (Penn Yan, New York) to the School of Public Health as this year’s Geiger Gibson Program Distinguished Visitor, our 21st!
Read about Mary’s schoolwide presentation, which also featured remarks by Professor Emerita Sara Rosenbaum, “Community Health Center Care in Rural America -Navigating Today's Challenges.”