Each year, National Health Center Week celebrates the power of health centers across America in unique, impactful ways; dedicating each day to a specific awareness that is front and center to their missions.
- Sunday, August 12 is Legislative Appreciation Day
- Monday, August 13 is Honoring Health Center Heroes
- Tuesday, August 14 is Public Housing Health Centers Day
- Wednesday, August 15 is Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Thursday, August 16 is Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Friday, August 17 is Patient Appreciation Day
- Saturday, August 18 is Children’s Health Day
Happening August 12 – 18, 2018, this week
is not simply a week of balloons and confetti. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness, showcase the services available to their communities and celebrate all of the great work the centers have done over the previous year. Here are a few of our favorite events and activities that will be going on around the country next week.
Making a Healthy Impact
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. is a hosting a Free Check-Up Day, providing free screenings for blood pressure, glucose, vision, BMI, breast and prostate examinations and HIV testing. A variety of other health centers are providing similar services, like Maria de los Santos Health Center hosting their Health Fair with free screenings, snacks and activities. Kenosha Community Health Center in Avenue Kenosha, WI, will host its 4th annual Health Walk. This 1-mile promenade is followed by family fun and lunch to refuel from the trek!
Saying Thank You
To emphasize the appreciation in Legislative Appreciation Day, Indiana Health Centers-Owen County staff are recognizing their local legislators continued support through thank you letters and a letter to the editor of their local newspaper. Other health centers are saying thank you in additional ways Medlink Bowman and Medlink Royston are each hosting a Patient Appreciation Day, serving superhero-themed cookies for all afternoon visitors.
Preparing Kids for Back-to-School
As well as honoring the past work, this week looks to the fall season ahead. August 11, the CHI Miami Health Center is hosting its annual back to school health fair that will feature free health and dental screenings, family fun, entertainment, and food. Backpacks will also be given out to children.
How You Can Get Involved
Are you looking for ideas to honor National Health Center Week for your own health care center or maybe volunteer? . . You can get ideas for Health Center Week activities here. Contact your local health center for volunteer opportunities as well. A listing of Health Centers can be found here. Make sure and congratulate your communities’ health heros!
