On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will vote on a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to officially declare Aug. 4 through 10 as National Health Center Week in Los Angeles County.
The recognition will celebrate the extensive work of the County’s Community Health Centers, which serve some of the most vulnerable populations in the region.
According to the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, there are more than 380 Community Health Centers in L.A. County, which collectively serve over 1.89 million residents each year. Approximately 75% of patients have low incomes and nearly 76,000 are experiencing homelessness.
“Declaring National Health Center Week in Los Angeles County is about taking time to pause and honor the dedication of community-based healthcare workers who provide essential care to those in need,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “There are teams of professionals and support staff who are tirelessly working to heal and keep indigent and at-risk communities healthy. They deserve our appreciation during this special week and all year long.”
National Health Center Week is a nationwide celebration. This year’s theme is “Powering Communities Through Caring Connections.” According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, Community Health Centers constitute the nation’s largest primary care network, providing 500,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly), and generating $85 billion in economic output.
“Every day, Community Health Centers provide critical health care services to people living in our most under-resourced communities,” said Louise McCarthy, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County. “National Health Center Week is but one opportunity to celebrate the work of our health center providers, workers, and their patients.”