A Call to Action in Uncertain Times

I’d like to convey a message that means a lot to me as me term of service comes to an end. In recent times, there have been dramatic changes in funding structures that have had sweeping effects on Community Health Centers (CHCs) across the country and will continue to destabilize urban and rural health centers nationwide in the upcoming years. More particularly, with the introduction of a more restrictive healthcare enrollment process and the elimination of premium healthcare tax credits for lawfully present individuals who’ve migrated, a projected 11 million fewer enrollees and an estimated $1 billion reduction in funding for Medicare/Medicaid services are on the horizon, making the future for comprehensive CHCs look… bleak.

A change of this magnitude also has the potential to close upwards of 1,800 community health centers and put almost 34,000 people out of work, which is a blow that I don’t even need to describe for many to understand how severe it would be. So instead, I want to express how important it is to offer your help in any way you can.

Volunteer your time and donate your resources if able, attend and promote their events, refer their services to your loved ones, or perhaps, use them yourself. I know from personal experience that even something as simple as you showing up makes all the difference, ‘cause I’ve been there when no one has, and that feeling is devastating.

In moments where support wanes, it’s the duty of our communities to extend that shared accountability in support of our local healthcare organizations, so that we may all continue to thrive despite the restrictions in place. With that understanding, I’ve pledged my continued support to my host site, and it would mean the world to me if every reader would do the same, at least once, for their community health center as well.