Easily lost in the ongoing debate about the future of health care in America and how to pay for it is a uniquely American model -- one that is already is doing much of what seems near universally desired yet painfully elusive.
Providing access for people of limited means or without insurance? Check. Delivering high-quality services that are affordable? Check. Emphasis on the ounce of prevention, wellness, and primary care and not just the pound of curative care? Check. Provided through private channels? Check. Facilities that are patient-focused and rooted in the local community? Check. Making prudent use of funds from government, the private insurance, patients themselves, and support from local communities? Check. Proven track record and ability to scale? Check.
If it's at all a surprise that these things happen in more than 8,000 sites operated by nonprofit community health centers across America, it's probably because the people doing the work meeting the ever-growing needs haven't had time or inclination to cut through the noise or make the headlines. Collectively, these facilities provide care to 20 million people, many of whom have very few other options. They are a critical component of the healthcare safety net in the U.S., unofficial though it is.
That's why, despite whatever news -- probably scary -- is vying for attention this week, I'm thankful it's National Health Center Week. The example of America's nonprofit community health centers is a good reminder that not only can we get the big stuff right, but that we usually do in this country.
Problems, understandably, get attention: tens of millions of people without insurance have limited to no access on one hand, and spiraling unsustainable costs on the other. But exclusive focus on these problems can obscure what's working and may offer solutions. To overlook the benefits of community health centers would be to ignore that they represent both what we want more of -- access, quality, and affordability, -- and less of -- costs, treating preventable conditions at a later stage, and invisible-behind-the-curtain decision makers who never encounter a patient in need.
A new report by Direct Relief, "State of the Safety Net," shows just how extensive are the public services being provided privately, by America's nonprofit community health centers and free and community clinics. The report, which reviewed the most recent national data for all community health centers from 2006 to 2009, documents the challenges faced by people in the United States, and the safety net healthcare providers caring for them. Of the over 20 million people served, 38% lacked health insurance and 71% earned incomes of less than $22,000 a year for a family of four. At a time when states are trimming back Medicaid reimbursements, the proportion of those who rely on Medicaid -- including those who lost their jobs during this recession -- is on the rise. Diagnosis rates for chronic diseases are increasing.
The unique features and hard work of America's nonprofit community health centers have earned them a rare degree of bipartisan support over the past several decades. That's a good thing, since their mission and work is something that we can all applaud and they make sense on so many levels -- from the thousands of local communities in which they serve, governed by local boards of directors and with extensive community support, in each of the 50 states, where, considered collectively, they are simply an essential, huge element of our nation's healthcare system.
Direct Relief USA, with the support of healthcare companies, foundations, and individual supporters, has become the largest nonprofit program in the country to assist patients at safety net facilities obtain medications and supplies they need at no cost. We recognize that the continued success of America's community health centers and their nonprofit clinic counterparts has been and will continue to be where the rubber hits the road for millions of people in need of care, and we will try to help even more in these challenging times. We hope that those charged with the tough choices in public budgeting will continue see the same value-for-dollar and public benefit in their decisions as well.
During National Health Center Week, take a moment to learn more about these providers and the millions of patients they treat everyday by visiting www.directrelief.org.