Affinia Healthcare is proud to celebrate National Health Center Week 2025, taking place August 3-9. The annual event highlights the essential role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in improving public health and providing Americans with an equal opportunity for health. CHCs represent the nation’s largest primary care network, serving 32.5 million patients nationwide.

This year’s NHCW celebration, launched by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), focuses on the theme: “America’s Health Centers Celebrating 60 Years of Improving our Nation’s Health.” CHCs across the country join the celebration through a host of scheduled events that include resource fairs, back-to-school drives, health screenings, and visits to CHCs by local, state, and national leaders.

Locally, Affinia Healthcare has a week of activities planned at its health centers and with community partners. Affinia Healthcare was originally founded in 1906 as the Holy Cross Dispensary, and today is the home of primary and preventative care for more than 47,000 residents in St. Louis City and County. With seven locations, Affinia Healthcare provides healthcare services to children and adults, including Obstetrics/Gynecology, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Behavioral (Mental) Health, Dentistry/Oral Health, and much more.

Affinia Healthcare will host several events to celebrate Health Center Week.

• Aug. 5 – Patient Appreciation Day: Patients are welcome to stop by the Biddle and Lemp health centers for giveaways and free health resources.
• Aug. 6 – Health Conditions Focus Day: The Community Health teams will be at the Clinton-Peabody housing community and Southside Wellness Center to provide health screenings for chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Aug. 7 – Population Focus Day: There will be a Health Fair for the unhoused at Biddle House, providing dental screenings, appointment scheduling, mental health and substance use resources.
• Aug 9 – Gratitude & Future Vision Day: The focus is on preparing a healthy future with the Back to School Bash at the Biddle location.

With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, CHCs like Affinia Healthcare save lives and healthcare costs on the front lines of our nation’s most pressing public health challenges. They are powered by a workforce of over 310,000 dedicated professionals who reach beyond the walls of the exam room with effective services that not only prevent illness but also address the factors that may cause it.

“Community health centers, even in this challenging legislative, environment, are committed more than ever to serving those in the community who need us most,” said Dr. Kendra C. Holmes, President & CEO, Affinia Healthcare. “We are proud to join our colleagues across the country to celebrate the accomplishments so far and press forward in our mission of high-quality healthcare for all.”

Over 1,500 CHCs nationwide are the health care home to:

• One in 5 uninsured people
• One in 3 people living in poverty
• One in 5 rural residents
• 4 million children
• 419,000 veterans

CHCs serve 10 percent of the U.S. population but represent roughly 1 percent of total annual healthcare spending in the United States. By keeping people healthy, primary care doesn’t just save lives – it saves money.

To learn more about the mission and accomplishments of CHCs, visit www.nachc.org. You can learn more about NHCW and view a listing of events at www.healthcenterweek.org.  #NHCW2025