Ohio Association of Community Health Centers Hospital Page

Who We Are

The Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) is a not-for-profit trade association representing Ohio’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs or community health centers). OACHC is dedicated to the promotion of high-quality, cost effective health care with a special focus on Ohioans living in medically underserved areas.

Who OACHC Represents

OACHC represents Ohio’s 30 community health centers at over 100 sites in both urban and rural areas throughout the state. In 2004, community health centers provided care to over 297,000 Ohioans and recorded well over 1,000,000 patient visits. Nationwide, CHCs provided care to 14 million patients and 45 million patient visits in 2003. Collectively, community health centers are the largest health care system in the nation and considered the best program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Why Community Health Centers Are Here

The Community Health Center (CHC) system has been in existence for over 30 years. CHC’s are required to be located in federally designated medically-underserved areas and serve the under and uninsured populations. In many areas of Ohio, OACHC member health centers are the only source of medical care for Medicaid and the uninsured in several counties. Community health centers are the safety net providers of cost effective, high quality medical care in Ohio. President Bush is a strong supporter of the community health center system and has committed to add or expand 1,200 new health center sites by 2006.

Who Community Health Center’s Serve

Ohio’s community health centers are required to provide care to all patients regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Following is a breakdown of the patients we serve: • 30% are uninsured
• 39% are on Medicaid
• 23% have private insurance
• 60% are female
• 57% are white; 39% are Black/African American

Why They Are Called Community Health Centers

All of Ohio’s community health centers were conceived, cultivated and administered at the local level. Typically, community leaders who realize a need for health care exists apply for federal funding with successful applicants receiving annual grant funding from the Bureau of Primary Health Care. This grant funding is intended to be used to serve the growing uninsured population. Health center boards are further required to contain 51% patient majority and must be sensitive to the needs of their patients and community.

What The Impact Is of The CHC System In Ohio

Beyond the outstanding medical and other health services provided to patients by community health centers, it is important to consider the impact a health center has on its community. CHCs employ over 180 doctors, 42 dentists, over 300 nurses and approximately 1,700 total staff positions in areas where quality professionals are in short supply. The overall economic impact of the community health center system is estimated to be over $300,000,000 in the state of Ohio.