Jun 1, 2012 | Collaboration, Program Planning & Evaluation, Resources
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has created many opportunities and monetary incentives for existing community health centers (CHC’s) to expand primary health care services and to build, expand, and improve their facilities. Overall, the Affordable Care Act will...
Jun 1, 2012 | Behavioral Health, Resources
In recent years, community health centers have seen a rise in the rate of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, among the populations they serve. The CDC estimates the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes among Americans rose from 2.5% to 6.9% between 1980 and...
May 29, 2012 | Advocacy, Behavioral Health, Case Management, Clinical Outreach, Collaboration, Community Outreach, Health Education, Outreach and Enrollment, Patient Centered Medical Home, Program Planning & Evaluation, Resources, Sustainability
Outreach is a critical function of health centers serving underserved populations. In 2000, Health Outreach Partners (HOP) developed its Farmworker Outreach Program Guidelines based on 30 years of experience providing direct outreach services to migrant and seasonal...
Apr 1, 2012 | Advocacy, Collaboration, Program Planning & Evaluation, Resources
Overview A unique and important requirement of all HRSA-supported health centers is “governance by and for the people served.[1]” The governing board (often referred to as a board of directors) plays a critical role: it is responsible for overseeing...
Apr 1, 2012 | Advocacy, Clinical Outreach, Collaboration, Community Outreach, Health Education, Resources
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. In 2007, there were 25.7 work-related deaths for every 100,000 agricultural workers. In comparison, the average death rate was 3.7 in all other industries during the year.[1] Farmworkers...
Apr 1, 2012 | Program Planning & Evaluation, Resources
When was the last time your organization conducted a community health needs assessment? Many organizations only conduct needs assessments when required by a funder or other group involved in a project. Resources, particularly money and staff time, may be scarce....
Feb 1, 2012 | Collaboration, Program Planning & Evaluation, Resources, Sustainability
Gaining funding for your health center has most likely always been challenging. Securing a continuous and reliable funding stream takes time and resources. Because many outreach services are non-reimbursable, funded through short-term grants, or absorbed...
Feb 1, 2012 | Program Planning & Evaluation, Resources
Many outreach programs serve priority populations that are less likely to use preventive health services and have a higher disease burden compared to the general population. Health outreach programs play a critical role in improving and extending the reach of health...
Feb 1, 2012 | Culture & Language, Resources
Clear communication is important to ensure that all patients receive safe and quality health care. For people with limited English proficiency (LEP), communication barriers can lead to serious misunderstandings with medical staff around treatment and diagnosis....
Dec 2, 2011 | Behavioral Health, Resources
Because alcohol abuse has emerged as a major health concern for outreach programs, outreach workers should have a basic understanding of alcohol-related issues. Substance abuse, particularly alcohol use, is a topic that warrants serious consideration when...
