WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) reintroduced a bipartisan bill designating the first week of August as National Community Health Center Week. He was joined by Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04). This resolution recognizes the important partnership between health centers and the communities they serve.

Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) reintroduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“As a member of the Congressional Community Health Center Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Community Health Center Week,” said Congressman Valadao. “In California’s 22nd Congressional District, seven federally funded Community Health Center (CHC) organizations provide care to more than 765,000 patients each year, serving as a critical lifeline for families in rural and underserved communities. This week, we celebrate CHCs and the dedicated healthcare professionals who work hard to ensure quality, affordable healthcare across our communities.”

“Community health centers provide millions of Americans with access to the primary, preventive, and behavioral health care they depend on," said Congressman Balderson. "For many rural and underserved communities, these centers are an essential source of quality, affordable care that helps keep patients healthy and reduces the need for more costly treatment down the road. During National Community Health Center Week, we recognize and thank the dedicated doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers who work every day to strengthen the health of our communities.”

“Community Health Centers are community-based healthcare providers that provide and expand access to care for millions of medically underserved Americans who receive primary, preventive, behavioral health, dental care, substance use treatment, and other services," said Congressman Davis. "I join my colleagues in celebrating 61 years of improving our nation’s health."

“Community health centers are tested and trusted, as this resolution recognizes,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “Congress should make these vital clinics the backbone of primary care in America by providing the rules & resourcing to multiply their impact.”

"The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) applauds Reps. Valadao (R-CA), Balderson (R-OH), Auchincloss (D-MA), and Davis (D-IL) for introducing this year's resolution honoring National Community Health Center Week. Community Health Centers (CHC) anchor the nation's largest primary care network, treating 52 million patients — 1 in 7 Americans, including 1 in 3 in rural America — while spending just 1% of the nation's health care dollars. Congress's continued bipartisan backing enables CHCs to operate more than 17,000 locations and employ 326,000 people, who provide primary and preventive care, manage chronic disease, reduce health care costs, and strengthen local economies in communities nationwide,” said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC.

“The Central Valley Health Network would like to recognize the continued leadership of Representative Valadao and that of his colleagues Representatives Auchincloss (D-MA), Balderson (R-OH) and Davis (D-IL) in acknowledging the critical work of health centers to provide access to quality healthcare by introducing the 2026 congressional resolution commemorating National Community Health Center Week. California’s community health centers serve as the backbone to the state’s healthcare delivery system to underserved communities serving more than 5.8 million individuals in rural and urban regions, with many families throughout the Central Valley relying on the essential services they provide,” said Jason Vega, CEO, Central Valley Health Network.

"Family HealthCare Network is grateful to Congressman Valadao for recognizing National Community Health Center Week and the essential role community health centers play in keeping our communities healthy. His continued support reflects an understanding that access to quality, affordable primary care is fundamental to the well-being of families throughout the Central Valley. As Californians continue to rely on health centers for their care, this recognition reinforces the importance of ensuring these vital services remain strong and accessible for everyone who needs them.  The recognition also reinforces Congressman Valadao’s continued focus on the well-being and prosperity of those living in the Central Valley," said Kerry Hydash, MPA, President & CEO, Family HealthCare Network.

Read the resolution here.

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