Coalition for Health AI and the National Association of Community Health Centers have formed a strategic partnership to advance safe and responsible AI adoption at community health centers nationwide.
The organizations will collaborate on building AI infrastructure and standards tailored for community health centers and other safety-net providers. Plans include conducting research, creating AI vendor certification programs, developing education initiatives, integrating AI tools into workflows and advocating for supportive policies, according to an Aug. 14 news release.
CHCs serve nearly 34 million patients across more than 17,000 U.S. sites. AI adoption among physicians rose from 38% in 2023 to 66% in 2024, with nearly half of AI-powered community health initiatives reporting improved outcomes. Still, 60% of all CHCs — and 70% of rural CHCs — cited expenses as a barrier to implementing new technology, according to the release.
The partnership will also launch an inaugural survey of CHCs to assess AI use and gaps, co-design an AI curriculum for safety-net organizations and explore AI tools to streamline Medicaid eligibility and enrollment processes. CHCs served over 16 million Medicaid patients in 2024, and Medicaid reimbursement remains a critical funding source.
NACHC President and CEO Kyu Rhee, MD, and CHAI President and CEO Brian Anderson, MD, will lead the initiative. Dr. Anderson will discuss the partnership as a keynote speaker at NACHC’s community health conference in Chicago Aug. 17-19.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
