What Is a Community Health Center, and Why Does It Matter?

When you picture a doctor’s office, what comes to mind?

For many people, it’s long wait times, high copays, confusing bills, and appointments booked months out.

Community Health Centers (CHCs) offer a different approach. They are local, community-based clinics that provide healthcare to people no matter their income, insurance, or background.

Across the U.S., CHCs serve more than 32 million people. In Oregon, about 1 in 10 residents gets care at a CHC. Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) is proud to be part of this nationwide network.

nhc oregon city medical clinic building

What Makes CHCs Different?

Care for Everyone

CHCs are designed to break down barriers to care. That means easier access for people who:

  • Live in rural or hard-to-reach areas

  • Speak languages other than English

  • Use Medicaid, Medicare, or have no insurance

  • Face challenges like food insecurity, unstable housing, or chronic illness

Learn more about CHCs.

Whole-Person Care

CHCs don’t just provide medical visits. They often bring many services together so patients can get care for their body, mind, and smile without traveling far.

Services often include:

This whole-person approach makes care more connected and easier to access.

Guided by the Community

CHCs are community-based and patient-centered. That means they are shaped by the people they serve, not by business goals alone. Clinics listen to their patients, adapt services to local needs, and focus on removing barriers to care.

a dental assistant holding up a mirror for a child while they are brushing their teeth

Why CHCs Matter

Community Health Centers exist because everyone deserves care—no matter their ZIP code, income, or insurance card. You shouldn’t need perfect coverage or a padded bank account to see a doctor. You just need someone who listens, understands, and can help.

That’s the mission CHCs share nationwide, and it’s why they remain a vital part of the healthcare system.

CHCs in Oregon: NHC’s Role

Here in Oregon, CHCs like Neighborhood Health Center provide care for thousands of patients each year. We work alongside other health centers to make care more accessible, affordable, and welcoming, especially for people who often fall through the cracks.

Want to Learn More?

Many CHCs, including NHC, are also Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). That means they meet extra federal standards that help keep care affordable and strong.

Read our next blog to learn more about what makes FQHCs unique and how NHC serves patients in Washington and Clackamas counties.