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Health Center Program history

This is an overview of the Health Center Program's history and development. It is based on research and interviews with leadership and staff from HRSA, external partners, and health center leaders. Learn about the history and critical events that shaped the program and the people who made it happen.

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Partnering with communities to build a healthier nation

  • A successful partnership

    Nearly 60 years ago, the federal government launched a program that has changed the delivery of health care in this country. This is the story of a highly successful partnership between community organizations and the federal government.

    Continue exploring the history

  • There are no bureaus I know in the U.S. government that have done as much to serve low-income people.

    Dr. Edward Martin,
    former Associate Administrator of BPHC’s predecessor, the Bureau of Community Health Services

  • Everybody in the Bureau of Primary Health Care is committed to the mission of improving the health of underserved communities. Every staff member in this bureau knows that mission and they believe in it.

    Jim Macrae,
    BPHC Associate Administrator

The history of the Health Center Program and the people who made it happen

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Contents

  • Introduction

    President Lyndon Johnson signs the Economic Opportunity Act.

    Learn about the history of the Health Center Program and the people who made it happen.

  • The Foundation and Early Years

    Dr. Jack Geiger and Dr. John Hatch during construction of new Tufts-Delta Health Center building, 1968

    From two neighborhood health centers created in the mid-1960s, the program grew to hundreds of health centers in the 1970s.

  • The 1980s

    BCHS/BHCDA Director Dr. Edward Martin.

    Health centers faced financial challenges but ended the decade on a firmer footing.

  • The 1990s

    Dr. Gaston headshot

    BPHC launched new efforts to fight health disparities and help health centers learn from one another.

  • The 2000s

    The size of the program doubled, while BPHC worked to improve oversight and assistance.

  • The 2010s and Beyond

    Community Health Center, Inc. drive-through vaccination clinic.

    The program continued to grow, then was called to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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