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Community health centers (CHCs) play a crucial role in helping our country’s underserved, aiding 28 million patients in over 11,000 rural and urban areas. As the demand for affordable primary care increases, so does the need for these organizations and the comprehensive services they provide. Today on Stakeholder Appreciation Day, part of the NACHC’s National Health Center Week, we stand together and recognize those policy makers and healthcare advocates whose support has been the lifeblood of U.S. CHCs.

CHCs are firmly rooted in the communities they support, driven by the vast variety of people who step into their facilities. According to the NACHC, CHCs help:

  • 1 in 3 people in poverty
  • 1 in 5 rural residents
  • 1 in 5 uninsured individuals
  • 1 in 6 Medicaid beneficiaries

CHCs centers help these individuals by increasing access to much-needed primary care through the breaking of common barriers, such as cost, lack of insurance, location and language.

Today’s CHCs have a proud tradition of support from both sides of the political aisle. Bipartisan support continues to be of great benefit for advocacy and policy priorities. In fact, earlier this year, Congress passed a bipartisan budget deal that included 7.8 billion dollars in federal grant funding for CHC programs. This legislative support is not limited to the federal level, as state and local support for CHCs is integral to their success as well.

At NextGen Healthcare, we encourage our clients to enhance their National Health Center Week celebrations by engaging their respective legislators and staff. Whether it be their Congressional delegation, state legislators, or county and local officials and staff, National Health Center Week is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for the policy makers and their support of the country’s CHCs.

Today is Stakeholder Appreciation Day and is the perfect time for CHCs to recognize those policy makers who support the collective mission of growing along with the demand for affordable primary care. Whether it be through social media, letters, emails, CHC tours or other methods of engagement, let’s give them the recognition they deserve.

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Cherie Holmes-Henry headshot

Cherie Holmes-Henry

Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs

Cherie Holmes-Henry provides health transformation and subject matter expertise and leadership for NextGen Healthcare thought leader involvement and membership in various health information technology (HIT)-related industry organizations and trade associations. She is a vital thought leader resource and speaks frequently, representing NextGen Healthcare expertise at industry events, client user groups, and health reform education sessions.

Ms. Holmes-Henry’s responsibilities include NextGen Healthcare federal and state government initiatives. She works extensively with key regulatory healthcare decision makers across the country. Ms. Holmes Henry engages with state and regional Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), state primary care associations, and medical associations. She helped launch the NextGen Healthcare Payer Relations Initiative and serves on the executive committee of the Electronic Health Records Association as the current Chair of the Association. She sits on the Leadership Council and the Policy Steering Committee for the eHealth Initiative, and is an active member of both the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Texas eHealth Alliance.

Ms. Holmes-Henry has been with NextGen Healthcare since 2009 and previously held several executive level positions throughout her 30-year career in healthcare, managed care, and healthcare IT.