Community, Migrant, Homeless, and Public Housing Health Centers are non-profit, community-directed health care providers serving low income and medically underserved communities. Initially authorized and funded as separate programs, community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless, and public housing primary care were later reauthorized and consolidated under the Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-299) which amended Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act.
Located in designated high-need areas, community health centers provide access to all, including the most vulnerable populations isolated from other forms of care because of common financial, geographic, language, cultural and other barriers to care. Health centers tailor their services to address the needs of the communities they serve, offering comprehensive primary and preventive care as well as dental, mental health and substance abuse, and pharmacy services. Open to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, health centers may also focus on the unique needs of special populations.
