The 2021 National Health Center Week is set to kickoff August 8th with events running through the 14th. Each day throughout the week is dedicated to a particular focus area while showcasing innovative ways that health centers are providing quality care, improving health outcomes, and narrowing health disparities. Without further adieu, let’s take a closer look at the National Health Center Week 2021 schedule!

Sunday, 8/8: Public Health in Housing Day

With health being of the utmost importance in our daily lives, organizations are accountable for improving health outcomes while lowering costs. To achieve this in today’s environment, organizations must better understand their patients to address their needs and impact the overall root causes of health. Understanding patients’ social determinants of health and conditions they’re in, whether it’d be socioeconomic, environmental, institutional power, and social networks, allows health centers to integrate their care and services to meet the needs and value of their patients.

Monday, 8/9: Health Care for the Homeless Day

The Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program targets funding to help meet the needs of those living without proper housing nor shelter. Health centers were able to serve up to 1.3 million homeless individuals each year, with about 1 million being served by the 300 health centers that received HCH funding. People without homes tend to experience several health-related issues whether on the streets or in shelters and without proper treatment can eventually intensify these health conditions. HCH takes part in providing high-quality, comprehensive primary and behavioral health care, case management, outreach, and other supportive services to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. National Health Center Week is a time to honor the act being done at HCHs and a step forward to advocate for policies that end homelessness by providing housing and health care as a human right.

Tuesday, 8/10: Agricultural Worker Health Center Day

Community Health Centers serve approximately 20% of the estimated 4.5 million Agricultural Workers in the United States. Over the past few years, more effective strategies have been put in place to increase more access to care for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and their families. Migrant/Agricultural Worker Health Center grantees are critical to ensuring access to the right care for these patients.

Wednesday, 8/11: Patient Appreciation Day

By law, Community Health Center boards must include at least 51% of community members. These Community board members are individuals who live in the community served by the health center, are patients themselves, and represent others in terms of demographics. This model ensures that patients are the voice of their community and keep health centers accountable for their community’s needs.

Thursday, 8/12: Stakeholder Appreciation Day

Health Centers have proud support from both sides of the political aisle. Bipartisan support continues to be beneficial for advocacy and policy priorities. Legislative support through the federal level, state, and local support for health centers is fundamental to their success. Show your appreciation for policymakers at your health centers and enhance your National Health Center Week by engaging legislators and legislative staff.

Friday, 8/13: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day

Health Center Staff Appreciation Day shines a spotlight on Community Health Centers and the diligent work of health centers and volunteers who are committed to provide high quality care to patients in need.

Saturday, 8/14: Children’s Health Day

More than 8 million children in the United States get their primary health care from a Community Health Center. Health Centers host events such as well-child checks, book drives, and fun runs that will help children feel healthy, happy, and empowered currently and into the future. This year Children’s Health Day will be partnered with Sesame Street in Communities. Sesame Street In Communities features hundreds of free activities from ABC’s & 123’s, to health and wellness, to tougher topics like coping with traumatic experiences. These resources help build resilience skills in young kids and the grown-ups who care for them.

We hope you can show your support by participating in one or more days of the National Center National Health Center Week 2021 schedule. A small change makes a huge impact on how community health centers improve and provide more services and care for their patients.