On March 15, Consortium member health centers joined thousands of health center advocates on Capitol Hill to say “thank you” to Members of Congress for fixing the health center funding Cliff and to share stories of how our people-powered movement cares for 27 million patients nationwide. In visits to Representatives Barbara Lee, Eric Swalwell and Ro Khanna, advocates discussed long-term funding for health centers and the urgent need to defend Medicaid and immigrant patients. They shared story after story that showcased the broad range of clinical expertise and specialties at health centers that keep our patients healthy, and save the health system money.
Launching a new event this year, the five Bay Area Regional Consortia representing more than 900,000 patients hosted a morning event on Capitol Hill for advocates and congressional staff and members. We had much to celebrate, including our joint power to mobilize advocates with our policymaker partners and other allies. We built muscles we didn’t know we had this year and will continue to use our collective voice to #GetLoud in defense of ALL health center patients.
Among our accomplishments, the group lauded last month’s budget deal providing an additional $600 million for health centers, and a two-year extension of the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and Teaching Health Centers Program.
Finally, we celebrated Emerging Leader Awardees from our Consortium. Among the 13 selected nationally for the Geiger Gibson Emerging Leader Awards, two came from our Consortium and a third local young leader received recognition for being a nominee. We are so proud of the next generation leaders moving us forward. Learn more here and here.
Photos here