Health centers are local clinics. They treat people’s medical, dental, mental health, substance use, and other health care needs.
All health centers:
- Are community-based and led in part by patients
- Focus on meeting the needs of the people and areas they serve
- Provide a full range of care. They have doctors, dentists, therapists, social workers, eye doctors, obstetricians/gynecologists, pediatricians, case managers, and other medical staff.
- Adjust their fees based on income and family size
Many health centers:
- Offer care in multiple languages. They can provide interpretation and translation services.
- Can help with transportation if patients have trouble getting to a clinic.
- Have on-site pharmacies that provide discounted prescription drugs.
Who do health centers serve?
Health centers provide care to people and groups who find it difficult to access health care. This includes:
- People without homes
- Migrant farm workers
- People who live in public housing
- Veterans
About 90% of health center patients have incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
What must health centers do?
We require health centers to comply with all Health Center Program requirements. Health centers must:
- Have a governing board where a majority of its members are patients
- Focus on the needs of the groups of people and the areas they serve
- Develop systems of care that center on the patient
- Serve everyone, even if they cannot pay
- Charge for services on a sliding fee scale
- Provide all required services
- Follow everything else the Compliance Manual requires
How do I find a health center?
Use the Find a Health Center tool to locate a health center clinic near you. The site provides contact information and directions to each location.
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