National Health Center Week (NHCW) is an annual celebration recognizing the vital work of Community Health Centers, like Grace Health, play across the nation. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) stated, “Community Health Centers serve as a beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s NHCW theme focuses on empowering communities by connecting them with health centers and elected officials from all levels of government. Celebrate the uniqueness of your community and get to know those dedicated to lasting partnerships!” Health centers represent the nation’s largest primary care network, serving 32.5 million patients nationwide with a mission to provide high-quality, affordable care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. Nationwide, health centers are powered by a workforce of over 326,000 dedicated professionals who reach beyond the walls of the exam room to prevent illness and address the social drivers that may cause it – climate change, homelessness, substance use disorders, food insecurity, and behavioral health. At Grace Health, we have nearly 400 staff serving patients in Calhoun County.
The NHCW theme this year was “America’s Health Centers Celebrating Past, Present, and Future; 60 Years of Improving Our Nation’s Health”. On August 8, Grace Health celebrated past achievements, how it serves patients now, and its plans for the future with patients, staff, and community members. Time was also taken to reflect on Grace Health’s partnerships with various organizations to help meet the needs of the community. During the celebration event, Grace Health mobile dental unit provided dental services, University of Michigan Mobile Mammogram unit provided mammograms for patients, Early Childhood Connections handed out free books to children, and South Michigan Food Bank provided free boxes of fresh food for attendees. Other vendors on-site included: Meridian, Aetna, American Cancer Society, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Cancer Prevention and Control Section, Blue Ox, Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition Program, Exact Science, Calhoun County Cancer Control Coalition, and Rachel from Representative Steve Frisbie’s office. Grace Health Community Health Workers, Patient Accounts, Pharmacy, Student Heath Center staff, Quality Care Coordinators, Recruiting Specialist, and Schedulers were also available to share information about Grace Health services and help patients get scheduled for appointments and/or screenings as needed. Although United Healthcare and Michigan Primary Care Association were unable to join the festivities, they provided support for the event.
Grace Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Calhoun County since 1986. In 2024, Grace Health provided more than 109,500 visits to just over 27,800 patients. Services include Family Practice, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Dental, Behavioral Health, Optometry / Vision Care, Podiatry, Physical Therapy, and an on-site full-service Pharmacy. For more information about Grace Health, visit www.gracehealthmi.org.
Grace Health staff and South Michigan Food Bank staff get fresh food boxes ready.