Join us for National Health Center Week 2026, a celebration of America’s Community Health Centers (CHCs) and their 60-year legacy of providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible care to millions. This year’s theme, Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most, celebrates how CHCs use creativity and commitment to advance innovative solutions that meet patients where they are and improve primary care delivery, access, and outcomes nationwide.
Aligning NHCW celebrations and local activities with these focus areas helps amplify the national impact of the collective CHC message. Focus days are a suggested as a flexible guide–activities don’t have to happen on these exact dates.
Daily Themes and Celebrations
Theme Day
Sunday, August 2
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We kick off National Health Center Week with a look at the incredible innovation CHCs provide to their communities. From serving a handful of communities to now reaching 1 in 7 Americans, CHCs have become a cornerstone of community health.
Suggestions for Celebration: Host townhalls, share “then and now” stories from patients and staff, and highlight key milestones on social media.
Staff Appreciation Day
Monday, August 3
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CHCs thrive because of their dedicated clinical and non-clinical staff. This day honors all employees and their vital contributions to patient care and organizational success. Let’s emphasize the importance of valuing everyone on the team.
Suggestions for Celebration: Organize appreciation luncheons, distribute personalized thank-you notes, and share staff spotlights online.
Patient Appreciation Day
Tuesday, August 4
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Patients are at the heart of CHCs, and this day recognizes their role in shaping care delivery. We celebrate patient boards—a revolutionary model of governance where patients make up 51% or more of board members—and their contributions to the health center movement.
Suggestions for Celebration: Host patient appreciation events, invite board members to share their stories, and create a social media campaign highlighting patient testimonials.
Health Conditions Focus
Wednesday, August 5
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CHCs play a critical role in addressing acute and chronic conditions through prevention, early detection, and treatment. This day highlights efforts like vaccinations, cancer screenings, heart health, diabetes care, and managing chronic infectious diseases.
Suggestions for Celebration: Organize health fairs offering free screenings, host educational workshops, and distribute prevention-focused resources. Develop a toolkit with tips on promoting community wellness.
Population Focus
Thursday, August 6
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CHCs serve patients of all race and ethnicities, in rural, urban, suburban, island and frontier communities. This includes maternal and child health, adults, elders/ older adults, veterans, agricultural workers, and those experiencing homelessness, to name a few. This day celebrates CHCs’ commitment to understanding the unique needs of their patients and communities, and providing quality, accessible care.
Suggestions for Celebration: Host community outreach events, organize drives to collect supplies (wellness kits, school supplies, food items, etc.), showcase stories of care for diverse populations, and share resources.
Partner Appreciation Day
Friday, August 7
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CHCs succeed through collaboration with public, non-profit and industry partners. From hospitals to schools, businesses to government leaders, food banks to public housing, these partnerships drive innovation and advance health.
Suggestions for Celebration: Highlight successful partnerships in your community, organize partner appreciation breakfasts, host elected officials and their staff, and share case studies of collaborative impact.
Gratitude and Future Vision
Saturday, August 8
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We close the week with a focus on gratitude for all who contribute to the CHC mission and a vision for the future. Together, we aim to serve 1 in 3 Americans, ensuring health for all.
Suggestions for Celebration: Host a community gratitude event, share messages of thanks from patients and staff, and launch a campaign outlining your goals for the next decade.
Resources and Playbooks (To come):
- Celebration Toolkit: A guide to hosting events, promoting awareness, and engaging your community throughout the week.
- Social Media Playbook: Ready-to-use templates, hashtags, and graphics to amplify your message.
- Educational Resources: Fact sheets, infographics, and presentations on health center history, impact, and future goals.
- Community Engagement Ideas: Creative ways to involve local partners, patients, and staff in meaningful celebrations.
Let’s make National Health Center Week 2026 a memorable tribute to building innovation at America’s health centers!