National Health Center Week is observed each year in the month of August. The annual celebration is organized by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and is a whole week dedicated to highlighting the great work of health centers across the country. In observance, health centers nationwide host health fairs, free screenings, and other fun and health-focused events all week long. National Health Center Week is not just a time to highlight the work of health centers but the patients that they serve as well. Apicha wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of all of you. And National Health Center Week is a great opportunity for you to step up your health game, so take advantage of the resources available to you. Here are four ways you can take part in National Health Center Week and get involved with Apicha.
1. Schedule an appointment with a local health center.
During this week, many health centers will be doing events to reach out to the community and offer services to those in need. Find a health center convenient for you and schedule an appointment. If you haven't been to the doctor in a while, this is a great step towards getting healthy.
2. Enroll in health insurance.
Don't have health insurance? That's OK! Many health centers, like Apicha, offer health insurance enrollment for their patients. In 2017, around 3.2 million Americans were uninsured, and in just this year alone, 3.6 million Americans have been insured through the Medicaid or Medicare marketplace. So, getting health insurance doesn't have to be hard; plenty of health centers like Apicha can help walk you through each step of the process.
3. Get tested.
During National Health Center Week and year-round, Apicha offers free STD/HIV testing and screening. If you're tight on cash or unable to see a provider, you can still take care of getting tested this week. Getting tested can be a huge weight off your shoulders and is important for staying healthy. You can schedule a testing appointment with Apicha CHC here.
4. Go on a tour.
Not every health center will be offering tours of their clinics, but some will welcome you to do a walk-through. This can help you decide where you want to receive medical care. It's similar to buying or renting a home, you want to make sure a health center is right for you! Besides, you owe it to yourself to prioritize your health and find a place to get services.
Community Health Centers, like Apicha, are not just for when you are sick and need help. They exist for you to take full advantage of receiving low-cost care for you and your family- from head-to-toe, mind, body, and soul, they can take care of it all. You can meet with a social worker if you need someone to talk to, have a case manager to help you sign up for health or nutritional benefits, and receive medical care when you need a checkup or need a refill of your medication. They have got all of your needs covered year-round, but this week we’re just taking the time to celebrate it!
