This week, Community Health Centers in Tennessee and across the nation are celebrating National Health Center Week to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of Health Centers for over 50 years. Health Centers across the country serve as the health care home for more than 30 million patients.
The enduring Community Health Center legacy would not be possible without the dedicated staff who advance the Health Center mission, to provide the highest quality care to patients, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay for care. Nationally, 285,000 staff advance the Community Health Center mission and movement. In Tennessee, more than 3,300 health center staff members care for 423,000 of our friends and neighbors.
The Health Center model of care relies on integrated, comprehensive care teams to deliver the most efficient, high-quality care to their patients. Team-based care requires various health care professionals, including allied health professionals such as dental hygienists and assistants, medical assistants, certain behavioral health providers, and billing and coding staff. Post-pandemic, Community Health Centers are continuing to struggle with workforce shortages. The Health Resources and Services Administration projects shortages across allied health professional disciplines through 2036.1
On August 1, Senator Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Blackburn (R-TN), introduced the Health Workforce Innovation Act. This bill authorizes the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to create grants to support innovative workforce programs at Community Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics. Grants could be used to establish or expand partnerships between Health Centers and high schools, vocational-technical schools, community colleges, Area Health Education Centers (AHECs), and support career laddering programs. The Senate bill was introduced after Representative Molinaro (R-NY) and Representative Craig (D-MN) introduced H.R. 73707, the Health Care Workforce Innovation Act of 2024 in February.
The passionate and dedicated members of the Community Health Center workforce are the backbone of the Community Health Center network in Tennessee and across the country. During National Health Center Week, we honor the tireless efforts of health care staff to care for their communities and recognize elected officials for investing in the future of Community Health Centers.
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