The Joint Commission and National Association of Community Health Centers said May 6 they are collaborating to curate education, training and advisory services tailored to community health centers.
In coming months, the organizations plan to launch an accreditation program for community health centers, according to a news release. The broader partnership aims to support community health centers in continuous improvement clinically and operationally.
Community health centers delivered care to 52 million Americans — or 1 in 7 people — between 2020 and 2023, according to research cited by the National Association of Community Health Centers. In rural areas, these facilities provide care to 1 in 3 Americans.
“As local, nonprofit, patient-governed organizations that provide affordable, comprehensive and effective primary healthcare to all patients regardless of income or insurance status, CHCs play a vital role in the nation’s healthcare system,” the release said.
The partnership will help community health centers better care for patients with constrained access to healthcare, the release said, including the 9.8 million children, 4.1 million older adults, 2.3 million homeless people and 642,000 veterans who annually receive care at community health centers.
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