National Health Center Week is one of the most important celebrations of community health in the country. Keep reading to learn more about this week-long awareness event and how you can support your local family medical centers in Suffolk County, NY.
What Is National Health Center Week?
National Health Center Week is a week dedicated to highlighting the health needs of communities and the role of health centers and medical professionals in those communities. This week of awareness has been observed for over 30 years with more and more people petitioning the cause every year. In recent years, The US House of Representatives, the Senate, and the President have recognized and passed resolutions that make National Health Center Week an official week on the US Calendar. Since its inception, over 30 states have recognized National Health Center Week thanks to the petitioning by the National Association of Community Health Centers and growing citizen support. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is responsible for making National Health Center Week a successful annual event by providing toolkits and resources for organizations who want to take part in the festivities.
Focus and Appreciation Days
National Health Center Week is usually the first week in August, but times and dates can vary from one health center to another. August is also National Immunization Awareness Month, so it’s not uncommon for Health Centers to plan events that encompass both of these nationally recognized campaigns. National Health Center Week spans seven days, and each day has a dedicated focus or highlight goal. In 2019, the focus days highlighted essential issues as well as supporters in the community. The days were designated as follows: Social Determinants Day, Healthcare for the Homeless Day, Agricultural Worker Health Day, Patient Appreciation Day, Stakeholder Appreciation Day, Health Center Appreciation Day, and Children’s Health Day. This year’s Social Determinants Day focused on the sustainability of nutrient-rich soils. This day is usually dedicated to social and environmental impacts on human health and how to improve community health through positive change.
How to Get Involved
To find out how to get involved in your community Health Center Week events, head over to the NACHC Health Center Week website. Here, you can search for local, state, and regional events and dates. If you don’t see your local Health Center listed for your area, contact them directly and ask them about their plans for this year's Health Center Week. If your local center doesn’t have any plans, this is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved in your community and support your local health center. As a volunteer, you can help organize events in your community and spread local awareness.
Your local medical health center in Suffolk County, NY, is an integral part of your community’s health. To get involved in local Health Center Week and support your local health centers, contact the medical professionals at Peconic Bay Medical Center.