1. Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Paula Davis
Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Colorado Community Health Network

2. Introduction
Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) is the state primary care association for the Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Colorado.
FQHCs or Community Health Centers (CHCs) are non-profit health centers that provide cost-effective high quality primary care services to underserved populations.

3. Background
CHCs were established by federal regulation in the 1960s and started as a small pilot program.
The federal government began funding CHCs in
Fifty years later, the CHCs have expanded into the largest system of primary care.
Current data shows that there are more than 1,200 CHCs that serve over 24 million people nationwide.

4. The 5 Pillars of Community Health Centers
CHCs serve all patients regardless of ability to pay.
CHCs are located in high needs areas.
CHCs provide comprehensive primary health care.
CHCs are governed by community boards that include patients of the health center.
CHCs are mission driven to provide health care to low- income, working families.

5. Colorado CHCs Colorado has:
The 2nd oldest CHC in the nation, which is Denver Health Community Health Services, and
One of the smallest CHC in the nation, Dove Creek CHC, which is located on the Western Slope.
The most recent additions to the Colorado CHCs are:
Marillac Clinic, located in Grand Junction; and
Clinica Tepeyac, located in Denver

6. The Colorado CHCs Today
Northwest Colorado VNA- Community
Peak Vista Community Health Centers
Pueblo Community Health Center, Inc.
River Valley Family Health Center
Salud Family Health Centers
Sheridan Health Services
Summit Community Care Clinic
Sunrise Community Health
Uncompahgre Medical Center
Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc.
Axis Health Systems
Clinica Family Health
Clinica Tepeyac
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Denver Health’s Community Health Services
Dove Creek Community Health Clinic
High Plains Community Health Center
Marillac Clinic
Metro Community Provider Network
Mountain Family Health Centers
The 20 CHCs operate 181 clinic sites, and provide services to more than 650,000 residents in more than 61of the 64 counties in Colorado.

8. CCHN EP Program
CCHN receives a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) as part of the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) from the federal government to:
Support Colorado CHCs with the development and implementation of EP Programs
Assist with managing compliance with federal, state, and local requirements
Ensure CHCs are capable of managing emergencies in an efficient and appropriate manner with as little impact to patient services as possible

9. Why should CHCs be part of their regional Healthcare Coalition (HCC)?
Better communications between the CHCs and HCCs
Build partnerships
Increase efficient community response
CHCs can better support their community

10. How CHCs Can Help?
Out patient clinics as defined by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid System (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC)
Exercise participants/evaluators
Walking wounded
Family reunification
Support staff
Point of Distribution sites
Chronic needs, primary care
Triage
Public information/Joint Information Center

11. Contact Information: Paula Davis,