Federally qualified health centers serve about 1 in 10 Americans, or 32.5 million individuals annually, and are a critical part of the social safety net caring for low-income people and children.
Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO at Advocates for Community Health, a membership organization of community health centers, said the issue is affecting health centers in Virginia, Maine, Nebraska, Illinois, Rhode Island and Michigan. Centers have been unable to access funding from the federal platform that allows organizations to access awarded grants. Other centers remain unaffected, adding to the confusion.
Federally qualified health centers, or FQHCs, offer preventive, dental and mental health care services and must serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay. They’re supported by both discretionary funding appropriated by Congress and mandatory funding required through the Community Health Center Fund.