Madison, WI – Wisconsin’s 19 Community Health Centers are celebrating National Community Health Center Week, August 5 to 9. Throughout the state, Community Health Centers are hosting community events, providing tours, and highlighting the special role that each Community Health Center plays in their communities. The Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association (WPHCA), on behalf of Community Health Centers, encourages patients, partners, and policymakers to explore Wisconsin National Health Center Week Events and discover the amazing ways that Community Health Centers respond to the needs of their communities.
This year, WPHCA is showcasing the efforts of Community Health Centers in meeting the behavioral health needs of communities across Wisconsin with a new issue brief. The report provides data on the unmet demand for behavioral health services for various populations and how Community Health Centers are responding to address this growing crisis. Strategies include integrating behavioral health in primary care services, deploying school-based models, telehealth, and more. In 2023 Wisconsin Community Health Centers served over 287,600 patients including providing 166,600 mental health visits to over 25,300 patients, tripling their capacity in the last two decades.
To celebrate National Health Center Week, WPHCA staff also recorded a podcast with NorthLakes Community Clinic, discussing the value of Community Health Centers and the challenges they face. Listen to the podcast today! As part of National Health Center Week, community members and lawmakers are invited to learn more about local Community Health Centers and celebrate their mission. Please visit wphca.org to learn more about our upcoming policy priorities, issue briefs, and to find a Community Health Center near you.
