Institute:Office of National Coordinator (ONC) Workforce Training Curriculum
Component:Introduction to Health Care and Public Health in the U.S.
Unit:Delivering Health Care - Part 1
Lecture:Structure and Function of Health Care Facilities and Hospital Units
Slide content:Community Health Centers Provide primary care for disadvantaged persons Treat those who cannot pay and/or have no insurance Found in all 50 states and territories Usually rely on public financing Advantageous for U.S. health care system Improve health care access for all Reserve EDs for true emergencies Community mental health centers also exist 8
Slide notes:One of the reasons people use ERs is that they cannot pay for health care. To alleviate this problem, community health centers provide primary care for all individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Located in all 50 states and U.S. territories, community health centers treat those living in poverty, people experiencing homelessness , public housing residents, migrant workers, and others. Most community health centers rely on public financing. Like urgent care clinics, community health centers enhance access to health care and treat people who would otherwise go to hospital EDs. Community mental health centers provide mental health outpatient services to similar populations. 8