Community health centers (CHCs) are the backbone of America’s health care safety net and play a crucial role in public health by providing accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare services to communities that might otherwise face significant barriers to care. However, a new Commonwealth Fund survey shows that more than 70 percent of health centers report worsening workforce shortages and additional challenges that threaten their ability to continue providing high-quality care.

Additional challenges CHCs face include rising mental health and substance use treatment needs, changes in Medicaid enrollment, and persistent funding gaps. However, the findings also show that CHCs are managing to do more with less by increasing their use of telehealth services, providing more substance use treatment, and screening for social needs.

Understanding the Role of Community Health Centers

CHCs deliver affordable health services to underserved populations, including uninsured individuals and Medicaid enrollees. They have expanded significantly due to federal investments and Medicaid expansions, which have improved access to care for low-income and minority individuals.

They also offer a range of services, including primary care, preventive care, and health promotion. They address various health needs by integrating medical, dental, mental health, and substance misuse services, thereby reducing the need for expensive emergency department visits.

CHCs are also deeply involved in addressing the social determinants of health, such as transportation, food security, and language barriers, which are critical for achieving health equity. They can work beyond traditional healthcare delivery to tackle issues like diet, nutrition, mental illness, and homelessness.

The Relationship of Community Health Centers with Public Health

CHCs focus on preventive care and community health, which are essential components of public health. They engage directly with community members through health education, screenings, and partnerships with local organizations to improve health outcomes.

They also participate in disease surveillance and control, which are key public health functions. By providing frontline services, they also help manage public health crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, and the opioid crisis.

Read the Commonwealth Fund’s report to learn more about their survey and to find out what policymakers could do to ensure better support for these essential health care providers.