Choptank Community Health System is joining community health centers nationwide in celebrating National Health Center Week, Aug. 2-8, recognizing the critical role federally qualified health centers play in providing affordable, high-quality health care and strengthening communities.
This year’s National Health Center Week theme, “America’s Health Centers: Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” highlights how community health centers improve health outcomes by expanding access to comprehensive primary care, emphasizing prevention, and meeting patients where they are.
Since 1978, Choptank Health has provided comprehensive health care for residents across Maryland’s Mid-Shore. Today, the federally qualified health center serves nearly 35,000 patients annually through medical and dental offices, School-Based Health Centers, mobile health services, and community partnerships in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties.
“National Health Center Week is an opportunity to recognize not only the importance of community health centers, but also the people who make this work possible every day,” said Sara Rich, president and CEO of Choptank Health. “Our physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, behavioral health clinicians, nurses, care coordinators, community health workers, support staff, volunteers, and community partners are committed to ensuring everyone has access to quality care close to home.”
As a federally qualified health center, Choptank Health provides primary medical care, women’s health, pediatrics, pediatric dental services, behavioral health, nutrition counseling, pharmacy support, care coordination, laboratory services, and chronic disease management regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. A sliding fee discount program is available for eligible patients.
Through integrated care, Choptank Health helps patients receive preventive screenings, manage chronic diseases, improve behavioral health, and avoid unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Choptank Health also partners with local school systems to provide School-Based Health Centers that improve student health, reduce absenteeism, and make medical, behavioral health, dental, and nutrition services more accessible for children and families.
“Access to quality primary care improves lives while strengthening our communities,” Rich said. “When people can receive preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and address behavioral health needs close to home, families are healthier, employers have a stronger workforce, and our entire region benefits.”
National Health Center Week provides an opportunity to recognize the value community health centers bring to rural communities and the importance of continued public and community support.
Throughout National Health Center Week, local governments across Maryland’s Mid-Shore are being asked to recognize the contributions of community health centers with official proclamations honoring the dedicated professionals and community partners who improve residents’ health and well-being every day.
For more information about National Health Center Week and the national health center movement, visit www.nachc.org. To learn more about Choptank Community Health System and its services, visit www.choptankhealth.org.
