Pasadena Commemorates National Health Center Week, Recognizing the Role of Community Health Centers in Accessible Healthcare

Pasadena is gearing up to celebrate National Health Center Week, an annual observance shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of health centers to local communities.

In an event Thursday, Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton said the presence of health centers in the local community is important qand cited local provider ChapCare.

“At ChapCare, I feel like I am among family here,” he said. “They have placed doctors in place that look like me, look like you, and look like everybody in our community.”

Officially starting on Tuesday, August 1, residents and healthcare professionals will unite to acknowledge the impact of these essential institutions in promoting wellness and providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to all individuals, regardless of their background or financial status.

National Health Center Week in Pasadena will be a week of action and appreciation, highlighting different community members and celebrating their contributions to healthcare. The event will demonstrate the importance of community health centers in supporting underserved populations and building a stronger and healthier nation.

At the forefront of the local celebration is ChapCare, a nonprofit health center that has been serving the Pasadena community since 1995.

During the week-long series of events, ChapCare will showcase its multi-faceted services and its crucial role in improving access to quality healthcare at the grassroots level.

“Join us for a week of action at our clinics, where we will offer health education resources and gifts for the entire family,” ChapCare said in a post on social media.

On Monday, ChapCare will address the healthcare needs of the homeless community, offering groceries, healthy food boxes, snacks, COVID-19 test kits, dental hygiene kits, and other resources. The event will be held in partnership with institutions like the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle and Pasadena Union Station.

On Essential Workers Day, Tuesday, ChapCare will support essential workers, including day laborers, street food vendors, domestic workers, and the immigrant community. They will provide health insurance resources, access to healthcare services, COVID-19 test kits, dental hygiene kits, and other essential items.

Wednesday will be Back to School Day, with ChapCare providing backpacks filled with school supplies, coloring books, teddy bears, and other goodies to children. Additionally, they will encourage parents to bring their kids to their pediatrics health centers for yearly physicals and immunizations, ensuring their readiness for the new school year.

Thursday, Prenatal Care Day, will focus on promoting and providing accessible prenatal care for expectant mothers.

The theme for this year’s National Health Center Week is “A Roadmap to a Stronger America,” highlighting the important role of community health centers in making America stronger by providing affordable and accessible healthcare to underserved populations.

President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of community health centers, where clinics operate under a patient-majority governing board, ensuring that decisions are made with direct input from those being served.

National Health Center Week recognizes the contributions of health center staff, volunteers, and supporters in delivering comprehensive healthcare to underserved populations.