Guide to Understanding Florida's FQHCs and 330 Expansion ...

June 2006
Dear Reader:
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), commonly known as Community Health Centers
(CHCs), have been the backbone of the healthcare safety net provider system in the U.S. for over 40
years. Last year community health centers served more than 16 million patients across the country.
In Florida CHCs served over 588,000 patients with 2.3 million visits at 172 service centers
throughout the state. Our patients live in medically underserved areas and represent some of the
most economically disadvantaged and health challenged people in Florida.
It has been said that all healthcare is local and no model better exemplifies those words than CHCs.
Community Health Centers are just that - community based. Their dedicated operational and
clinical staff holds fast to the mission shared by all FQHCs “Serve all patients regardless of their
ability to pay.” For CHCs, it has always been about putting the patient first.
The Guide to Understanding Florida’s FQHCs and 330 Expansion Opportunities, as well as our
larger community and health center development efforts, are carried out in partnership with the
Florida Department of Health. We are grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the Office of
Health Professional Recruitment on our mutual goal of increasing access to affordable, quality
healthcare for all Floridians.
The guide is intended to provide insight into Florida’s FQHCs and efforts to expand them. It is with
pride that we present it to Florida’s communities, especially those that may be considering the
development of an FQHC. As you will learn from the guide, it requires a great deal of dedication
and hard work. But you are not alone in your quest. The Florida Association of Community Health
Centers and the Florida Department of Health are here to assist you in your efforts.
Sincerely,
Andrew R. Behrman
President and CEO
Understanding Florida FQHCs Copyright 2006 Page 2 ©