What is a Health Center?

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also known as community health centers, are non-profit, community-directed outpatient medical clinics providing care for everyone. They serve as a cornerstone to the health and vitality of our community by providing medical, behavioral health and dental care. Community health centers leverage the strengths and assets of our community to promote overall wellness. At the heart of their mission, community health centers are dedicated to bridging the gaps in healthcare access and outcomes. Through initiatives such as health education programs, preventive screenings, and outreach efforts, health centers empower individuals to take control of their health and lead fulfilling lives.

Community health centers welcome individuals from all walks of life and ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their socio-economic status, background, or ability to pay. In essence, community health centers are a catalyst for positive change, a symbol of hope, and a testament to the strength and resilience of our community.

High Quality Care
Provide high quality, patient-centered care, and improve patient outcomes.

Located in Areas of High Need
Designated as medically underserved areas or populations by the federal government and are identified as having elevated poverty, higher than average infant mortality and where few physicians practice.

Comprehensive Set of Services
Based on community needs, health centers offer medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy and enabling services that include services that help their patients access care, such as transportation and translation.

Open to Everyone
Are open to all persons regardless of socio-economic status, background, or ability to pay and offer sliding fee scale options to low-income patients.

Patient-Majority Governing Boards
At least 51% of every health center’s governing board must be made up of patients.

Cost Effective
Reduce costly emergency, hospital and specialty care, saving $158 million to the overall health system in Nebraska annually. They create jobs and serve as a critical component of the safety net program, serving 34% of the uninsured population and 39% of the uninsured children in Nebraska.