CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The CHC Movement - Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Episode:011

Our Guest:
Jay Breines
Chief Executive Officer
Holyoke Health Center
Holyoke. MA

Jay Breines reviews his career progression from CEO of a small CHC in VT to a larger CHC in Holyoke. MA, and his philanthropic turn at bringing relief and hope to the people of Puerto Rico

CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion

Episode:010

Our Guest:
Rachel A. Gonzales-Hanson
Chief Executive Officer
Community Health Development, Inc.
Uvalde, TX

Rachel A. Gonzales-Hanson tells of her experience as a single mother who joined the Board of a CHC in rural Uvalde, TX,, then served as receptionist before rising to become its CEO

CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:009

Our Guest:
Mike Holmes
President and CEO
Scenic Rivers Health Services
Cook, MN

Mike Holmes discusses his experience as head of Scenic Rivers Health Services, a small rural CHC network in the northern MN Iron Range, and his election to serve as NACHC’s Board Chair

CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:008

Our Guest:
Teresita Batayola, MSUA
President and CEO
International Community Health Services (ICHS)
Seattle, WA

Teresita Batayola shares her early life experience in Seattle, WA, which motivated her quest to serve the Asian-Pacific Islander community at International Community Health Services (ICHS), serving the greater Northwest

CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:007

Our Guest:
Col. Brodes H. Hartley
President and CEO
Community Health of South Florida
HealthPoint
Homestead, FL

Col. Brodes H. Hartley shares his experience helming the large CHC network, Community Health of South Florida, and his pride at the organization’s national recognition for quality care

CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:006

Our Guest:
Tess Stack Kuenning, CNS, MS, RN
Bi-State Primary Care Association
HealthPoint
Bow, NH

Tess Stack Kuenning examines how her experience as a Peace Corps nurse in Nepal led her to her current role as CEO of the Bi-State Primary Care Association, serving VT and NH

CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:005

Our Guest:
Thomas Trompeter
President and CEO
HealthPoint
Renton, WA

Thomas Trompeter reviews his career progression from staff assistant at a Regional Assn in MO to taking the helm of HealthPoint, one of the nation’s largest CHCs, in WA

CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:004

Our Guest:
Carmela Castellano-Garcia, Esq.
President and CEO
California Primary Care Association
Sacramento, CA

Carmela Castellano-Garcia discusses her experience as CEO of the California Primary Care Association, the largest statewide CHC association in the USA

CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:003

Our Guest:
Michael R. Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center

CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that

Episode:002

Our Guest:
Lindsay Farrell
CEO
Open Door Family Medical Center
Ossining, NY

Lindsay Farrell assesses her experience leading Open Door Family Medical Center in Ossining, NY, and its development into a large regional CHC network

CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:001

Our Guest:
John Silva, President and CEO
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Inc.
Methuen, MA

John Silva speaks about his 40-year career with health centers, beginning in Massachusetts, Missouri, and Oklahoma, and finally returning to Massachusetts, 50 miles from his childhood home

CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement

This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders.

The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system.

Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system.

Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers.

Sponsored by:

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs.

Community Health Ventures (CHV)

Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.