Health care is a constant struggle for many Americans, especially low-income individuals and families. The Columbus Dispatch’s August 9th article “Area Health Centers Hit Hard by Federal Cuts” reported that federal spending reductions could cause 5 million people to be turned away from their current Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). A National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and Capital Link study found that the national need for capital between 2008 and 2015 exceeded $10.5 Billion. There is growing concern about the ability for FQHCs to continue to provide health care services in light of funding changes at the federal and state levels.
We are seeing Foundations, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and nonprofits responding to fill this market need. Kresge Foundation has released its program to enhance the capacity of FQHCs and the primary care system. IFF, an Illinois-based CDFI, announced a new initiative, Health Centers for Healthy Communities. What can we do in Ohio?
Finance Fund, in partnership with the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, conducted a survey of the 37 FQHCs in Ohio. The survey queried organizations regarding their current need for new investment and the resulting increase in services these investments would generate.
88% planned some type of real estate investment
76% planned future equipment investment
Finance Fund invites you to join the conversation as we develop potential solutions to increase access to capital in Ohio’s low-income communities. Comment below or contact Finance Fund’s Director of Development, Valerie Heiby at vheiby@financefund.org or Special Project Consultant Mark Barbash at mbarbash@financefund.org for more information.
Tags: Columbus Dispatch, Community Health Centers, Federally Qualified Health Center, funding, State of Ohio
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