Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) sponsors National Health Center Week (NHCW) to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s 1,512 Community Health Centers (CHCs). NHCW is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of CHC patients, staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to 52 million patients across more than 17,000 communities.

NHCW 2026 Theme: Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most

This year’s theme celebrates how CHCs use creativity and commitment to advance innovative solutions that meet patients where they are and improve primary care delivery, access, and outcomes nationwide. This includes partnering with key stakeholders and elected officials to strengthen relationships that support high-quality, patient-centered care in the communities they serve.

Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area

  • Sunday, August 2: Theme DayWe kick off National Health Center Week with a look at the incredible innovation CHCs provide to their communities. From serving a handful of communities to now reaching 1 in 7 Americans, CHCs have become a cornerstone of community health.
  • Monday, August 3: Staff Appreciation DayCHCs thrive because of their dedicated clinical and non-clinical staff. This day honors all employees and their vital contributions to patient care and organizational success. Let’s emphasize the importance of valuing everyone on the team.
  • Tuesday, August 4: Patient Appreciation DayPatients are at the heart of CHCs, and this day recognizes their role in shaping care delivery. We celebrate patient boards—a revolutionary model of governance where patients make up 51% or more of board members—and their contributions to the health center movement.
  • Wednesday, August 5: Health Conditions FocusCHCs play a critical role in addressing acute and chronic conditions through prevention, early detection, and treatment. This day highlights efforts like vaccinations, cancer screenings, heart health, diabetes care, and managing chronic infectious diseases.
  • Thursday, August 6: Populations DayCHCs serve patients of all race and ethnicities, in rural, urban, suburban, island and frontier communities. This includes maternal and child health, adults, elders/ older adults, veterans, agricultural workers, and those experiencing homelessness, to name a few. This day celebrates CHCs’ commitment to understanding the unique needs of their patients and communities, and providing quality, accessible care.
  • Friday, August 7: Partner Appreciation DayCHCs succeed through collaboration with public, non-profit and industry partners. From hospitals to schools, businesses to government leaders, food banks to public housing, these partnerships drive innovation and advance health.
  • Saturday, August 8: Gratitude and Future VisionWe close the week with a focus on gratitude for all who contribute to the CHC mission and a vision for the future. Together, we aim to serve 1 in 3 Americans, ensuring health for all.


National Health Center Week Events in Maine

During this year’s weeklong celebration, health centers throughout Maine will be holding special events in recognition of patients, staff, programs and community partners. Bookmark this page and check back as we will be listing health center events here as we move closer to National Health Center Week.

 

Source: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)