Community Health Centers

History

In 1965 the nation’s first Community Health Centers were launched as a small demonstration program as part of the President Johnson’s Office of Economic Opportunity. With roots in both the civil rights movement and the War on Poverty, the earliest health center’s mission was to use the health care system to change the health and lives of their community residents. 

 

 

Background

Community Health Centers are defined as community clinics; Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and/or FQHC look-alikes. 

Community Health Centers are community-driven, non-profit clinics located in medically underserved areas or serving populations that are medically underserved. Their mission is to provide affordable, comprehensive primary care to all regardless of income level, or insurance status.