Blog 2/12/25
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Equitas Health joined the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for the 2025 Policy and Issues Forum (P&I) in Washington, D.C. The P&I Forum is the nation’s largest gathering of community health center (CHC) leaders.
As noted by NACHC, CHCs serve 32.5 million patients (10% of the U.S. population) across the country, while accounting for just 1% of total federal healthcare spending. In recent years, CHCs have supported nearly $85 billion in economic output, more than $37 billion in labor income, and over 500,000 jobs, which underscores the impact of federal funding for CHCs.
In a previous statement about the importance of CHCs, Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, (he/him) president and chief executive officer of NACHC, said: “Health centers have long been recognized for their vital role in improving health outcomes and reducing costs across the health system. We are grateful for the ongoing bipartisan and bicameral support from leaders in Congress who understand the profound impact and cost savings of our work.”
A group of community health center advocates gathered in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Thursday, February 6. Photo Credit: NACHC
Along with other CHCs and non-profit organizations, Equitas Health remains concerned about the proposed freeze on federal funding and the looming federal funding deadline. The issue is particularly important for CHCs, since federal funding has not kept pace with rising costs and growing patient populations.
While on the Hill, Equitas Health interacted with nearly 20 congressional offices across the Ohio and Texas delegations. In doing so, advocates discussed a number of key policy issues, including the following:
Regarding the urgent need to renew telehealth flexibilities, Rhea Debussy, PhD, (she/her) director of external affairs at Equitas Health, said: “Pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities are set to fully expire at the end of March. If Congress does not act, millions of Americans will lose access to vital telehealth services in primary care, behavioral health, and other healthcare settings. Telehealth remains wildly popular with the American public, and we need immediate, bipartisan action from Congress.”
Last week, congressional leaders also announced that Rep. Troy Balderson (R- OH 12) would be a co-chair for the new Community Health Center Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. In recognition of his leadership, the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) presented Rep. Balderson was presented with an award. Photo Credit: Equitas Health
Regarding federal funding for HIV treatment, prevention, and resource programs, David Ernesto Munar, (he/him) president and chief executive officer of Equitas Health, said: “Places like Equitas Health are doing important work…Now is not the time to pull back on the fight against HIV/AIDS in the United States and in Ohio.”
Equitas Health remains committed to advancing care for all through public policy work in the U.S. Congress, and the agency will continue to communicate about issues related to federal funding for CHCs, Medicaid, and HIV-focused programs. We also encourage our patients and community to communicate with their members of Congress on these important issues.
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Established in 1984, Equitas Health is a regional nonprofit community healthcare system. A federally-designated Community Health Center, it is one of the largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS serving healthcare organizations in the United States. With 22 offices in 13 cities, Equitas Health serves tens of thousands of patients in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year through patient-centered, integrated, and cutting edge services, including primary and specialized medical care, pharmacy, dentistry, mental health and recovery, HIV/STI treatment and prevention, PrEP/PEP, Ryan White/HIV case management, care navigation, advocacy, and other community health initiatives. The Equitas Health Pharmacy is an integral and essential part of the health center’s comprehensive care and business models, reinvesting 100% of profits back into the organization’s programs and services. Equitas Health operates pharmacies serving patients in Ohio and Texas. For more information, visit equitashealth.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is the leading national innovative change agent collaborating with affiliates and partners to advance Community Health Centers as the foundation of an equitable health care system free from disparities and built on accessible, patient-governed, high-quality, integrated primary care.
Blog 3/6/25
