NeighborHealth Achieves Community Health Center Status
August 5, 2019–NeighborHealth Center recently received federal approval as one of only 44 designated CHC’s in North Carolina and the only faith-based federally-qualified health center in the state!
Board Chair Susanne Berger said, “Across the country, we see the decades-long successful track records of flourishing faith-based health centers like Christ Community in Memphis and Lawndale in Chicago, to name a few. NeighborHealth is modeled on these like-minded organizations. Meeting the rigorous standards set for federally-qualified CHCs is a testimony to the hard work of our staff & providers and ultimately to the Lord’s faithfulness.“
Learn more about Community Health Centers
Q: What’s a CHC (community health center)?
A: CHCs are community-based healthcare providers delivering primary care services in underserved areas. They must meet a stringent set of requirements, including providing care on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay. They receive funds from the federal Health Center Program and operate under a governing board that includes patients.
Q: What are the benefits of achieving CHC (community health center) status?
A: NeighborHealth enjoys 3 primary benefits:
1) increased reimbursements for Medicaid and Medicare patients
2) eligibility for discounted drug pricing, allowing our patients to afford needed medications
3) enrollment in a program offering medical school loan forgiveness to its physicians
Q: How does being a CHC (community health center) affect NeighborHealth’s mission?
A: Our mission is to serve Christ by loving our neighbors through excellent, compassionate and accessible health care. Becoming a CHC and receiving enhanced reimbursement rates for Medicaid & Medicare allows us to see more patients in need, furthering our mission. CHC status puts us on a faster track toward sustainability–our ultimate financial goal.
