While this is very good news, there is more that needs to be done. We need a longer-term funding appropriation so FQHCs carry forward their missions beyond one year (or 9-months). FQHCs are a driving force in providing access to primary care services, achieving high quality clinical outcomes, and implement innovations that reduce costs to treat. FQHCs need guaranteed long-term funding to support carrying out these initiatives, implementing strategic plans, and developing solutions to workforce needs.
ACH commends Congressional leaders for coming to a bipartisan agreement and finalizing funding for the Community Health Center Trust Fund through the end of 2024 as part of the larger funding package released tonight. This funding level constitutes a 10% increase in the rate of funding for the remainder of the year and is a sorely needed step in the right direction. We are exceedingly grateful to the champions for community health centers, as well as Congressional and Committee leaders, for prioritizing funding for the nation’s largest primary care network. While the need across the country – to meet increasing patient demand, to account for historic budgetary and workforce challenges, and to continue to drive excellence in primary health care – far exceeds this number, we recognize and deeply appreciate this investment. In addition, we are deeply grateful that both the National Health Service Corps and Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program received increases through this calendar year, as both programs are central to the work of our members. Read our full statement👇 https://hubs.li/Q02mYDsy0 #CHCs #CHCfunding #communityhealthcenters #communityhealth #healthcareworkforce #healthcarecosts #congress2024 #bipartisan #healthcarefunding