Community health centers provide vital services, particularly for underserved populations, by reducing barriers such as cost, distance, lack of insurance, and even language difficulties. National Health Center Week is the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of the services offered by these centers and advocate for health equality across the nation. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Health Center Week?

👉 Official Name: National Health Center Week
💚 Cause: Celebrate the mission and achievements of America’s health centers
📅 Next Date: August 3-9, 2025
🌐 Official Website: www.chcanys.org/national-health-center-week
🐦 Hashtag: #NHCW #ValueCHCs

Keep on reading to find out all the important information about National Health Center Week at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About National Health Center Week at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: National Health Center Week is observed in the second week of August every year as a way to acknowledge and celebrate the vital services provided by community health centers across the US. It’s also a time to spread awareness of community health centers and advocate for further funding to ensure the smooth provision of services. 

2️⃣ Why is this important: Today, Community Health Centers in the US serve around 31.5 million patients annually across 15,000 communities, with demand rising every year. Sadly, we still have a long way to go before reaching true health equity across the nation, with American Indian and Alaska Natives (AIAN), alongside Hispanic individuals, being twice as likely to not have health insurance than their white counterparts. And, Black infants are twice as likely to die of health problems than White babies. Community Health Centers provide services to those who would otherwise not be able to access appropriate healthcare, making them a vital part of communities.

3️⃣ How can you get involved: You can get involved in National Health Center Week by setting up a fundraising or awareness event to support your local Community Health Center In addition, you can also volunteer for a local health center or spread the word via your social media channels:

1. Fundraise in Your Community: There are so many different fundraising events you can set up to get your neighbors and friends involved in supporting healthcare centers. Perhaps you could organize a fun family event or even set a challenge to raise money. The options are endless!
2. Volunteer at a Health Center: Many health centers are more than willing to take up volunteers to help with the workload. So, why not reach out to your local health center and see what options they have available?
3. Share on Social Media: Use the hashtags #NHCW or #ValueCHCs when posting on social media to show your appreciation for the invaluable work carried out by these establishments to keep us all safe and healthy. 
4. Say Thanks: If you know a health worker, you can even consider organizing a relaxing day out or giving them a meaningful gift to say thank you for all their hard work.

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for National Health Center Week:

• 9 Best Charities to Support Healthcare Workers
• 9 Best Charities That Fight for Health Equity
• 9 Best Charities That Assist With Healthcare

A Brief History of National Health Center Week

When was this event established: National Health Center Week was set up by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) in 1987 to honor the invaluable contributions of Community Health Centers (CHCs) across the US. 

How has it developed since then: Starting with just two centers in 1965, the event is now used to raise awareness of the 1,400 Community Health Centers across the nation working to serve patients with affordable primary care. There is a different theme every year to highlight the tremendous work carried out by health centers, as well as the far-reaching impacts of the community health center movement. 

3 Interesting Facts About National Health Center Week

1. A Civil Rights Movement: The very first community health centers were set up by community activists and reform-minded physicians during the American civil rights movement in the 1960s. They believed that poverty could be tackled by empowering communities with health and opportunity. 
2. Patient Diversity: Community health centers serve a diverse patient population across the US including 9 million children, 1.3 million people experiencing homelessness, 400,000 veterans, and 3.3 million elderly patients. 
3. Health Improvement: Evidence shows that community health centers improve health outcomes for patients. For example, across Ohio, community health centers have contributed to a 40% reduction in infant mortality rates, shorter hospital stays, fewer ER visits, and reduced health disparities among patients with chronic diseases. 

Upcoming Dates of National Health Center Week

National Health Center Week is observed every year during the second week of August.

Never Miss an Important Awareness Event Again

Sources

• National Association of Community Health Centers: What is a Community Health Center?
• Community Health Care Association of New York State: National Health Center Week 2024
• National Association of Community Health Centers: Training & Events
• KFF: Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities to Support Healthcare Workers
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities That Fight for Health Equity
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities That Assist With Healthcare
• National Association of Community Health Centers: Home
• CHC: Celebrating National Health Center Week
• Community Health Partnership: Community Health Centers and the Civil Rights Movement
• Community Health Net: Empowering Communities
• OACHC: Ohio’s Community Health Centers