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.

Eastport Health Care
Back to School Supply & Sports Drive
August 3-21, 2026 | 7:00am – 5:30pm | Eastport Site, 30 Boynton St., Eastport, ME & Machias Site, 160 Dublin Street, Machias, ME

Help local students start the school year ready to learn, play, and succeed! From August 3 through August 21, Eastport Health Care and St. Croix Regional Family Health Center are collecting new school supplies and new or gently used sports equipment to support students in our local communities. Donations can be dropped off at the Eastport and Machias Eastport Health Care locations, as well as the Princeton and Calais St. Croix Regional Family Health Center locations. All donated items will be distributed to local schools to help ensure students have the supplies and equipment they need for a successful school year. Whether it’s a backpack, notebooks, pencils, art supplies, or gently used sports gear, every donation makes a difference. Thank you for helping local students head back to school prepared and ready to thrive!


Cuddle Care Health Center
August 5, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:00pm | Calais Elementary School, 53 Garfield St., Calais, ME

Eastport Health Care and St. Croix Regional Family Health Center will be hosting the Cuddle Care Health Center at the International Festival Peanut Fair to be held at Calais Elementary School on Wednesday August 5th from 4 to 6pm.

The Cuddle Care Health Center offers checkups, and healing hearts, boo boos and hugs to all sick or injured stuffed animals or dolls. There will also be carnival style games and activities for children!


Fish River Rural Health
Annual Family Health Fair (Open to the Public)
August 8, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm | Eagle Lake Health Center, 10 Carter St., Eagle Lake, ME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sacopee Valley Health Center
Staff Appreciation BBQ (Limited to SVHC staff only)
August 6, 2026 | 12:00 – 2:00pm | Sacopee Valley Health Center, 70 Main St., Porter, ME

Happy Staff Appreciation Day! At SVHC, we know that our mission is only as strong as the people who carry it out. Today, we celebrate the tireless advocates, the compassionate healers, and the dedicated problem-solvers who ensure our community has the support it needs to thrive. Thank you for showing up, for leading with compassion, and for making our community a better, healthier place. Our strength lies in the unwavering dedication of our people. We are better because of you.

 

 

 

 

 


Family Fun Day (Open to the Public)
August 8, 2026 | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Sacopee Valley Health Center, 70 Main St., Porter, ME

The Sacopee Valley Health Center is celebrating its 6th Annual National Health Center Week by hosting a free community event on Saturday, August 8th, from 11–2! We are excited to be hosting this event again and to raise awareness of America’s Health Centers! Last year’s event was so successful, we expect to double participation! We are so proud to thank our community for their support! Attendees will enjoy a BBQ, lots of family-friendly activities, such as face painting, tie dye, corn hole, carnival games, inflatables, petting zoo, and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nasson Health Care
Patient and Community Appreciation Day (Open to the Public)
August 4, 2026 | 8:00am – 5:00pm | Nasson Health Care, 15 Oak St., Springvale, ME

You’re Invited: Patient & Community Appreciation Day. Our patients and neighbors are at the heart of everything we do. To celebrate National Health Center Week, we are hosting a special event dedicated entirely to YOU! Whether you have been a patient for years or are just curious about what we do, please stop by. Bring your family, bring your friends, and celebrate with us!

What to Expect
• Treats: Enjoy delicious light refreshments
• Prizes: Grab fun giveaways throughout the day
• Discovery: Learn more about Nasson Health Care services

Thank you for being the most vital part of our health center family. Together, we build a healthier, stronger community. We can’t wait to see you there!

 

St. Croix Regional Family Health Centers
Back to School Supply & Sports Drive
August 3-21, 2026 | 7:00am – 5:30pm | Princeton Site, 136 Mill St., Princeton, ME & Calais Site, 5 Lowell St., Calais, ME

Help local students start the school year ready to learn, play, and succeed! From August 3 through August 21, Eastport Health Care and St. Croix Regional Family Health Center are collecting new school supplies and new or gently used sports equipment to support students in our local communities. Donations can be dropped off at the Eastport and Machias Eastport Health Care locations, as well as the Princeton and Calais St. Croix Regional Family Health Center locations. All donated items will be distributed to local schools to help ensure students have the supplies and equipment they need for a successful school year. Whether it’s a backpack, notebooks, pencils, art supplies, or gently used sports gear, every donation makes a difference. Thank you for helping local students head back to school prepared and ready to thrive!


Cuddle Care Health Center
August 5, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:00pm | Calais Elementary School, 53 Garfield St., Calais, ME

Eastport Health Care and St. Croix Regional Family Health Center will be hosting the Cuddle Care Health Center at the International Festival Peanut Fair to be held at Calais Elementary School on Wednesday August 5th from 4 to 6pm.

The Cuddle Care Health Center offers checkups, and healing hearts, boo boos and hugs to all sick or injured stuffed animals or dolls. There will also be carnival style games and activities for children!

 

Source: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)