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Ohio Association of Community Health Centers (OACHC) is a not-for-profit professional trade association representing Ohio's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs, or community health centers). OACHC's Mission is to ensure access to high-quality affordable health care for all Ohioans through the growth and development of Ohio's Community Health Centers.

OACHC Represents Ohio's Community Health Centers
OACHC represents Ohio's 33 community health centers at over 110 sites in both urban and rural areas throughout the state. In 2006, community health centers provided care to over 340,000 Ohioans and recorded well over 1,000,000 patient visits. Collectively, community health centers are the largest health care system in the nation, and are considered the best program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.expectmore.gov).

Community Health Centers are the Healthcare Solution
In many areas of Ohio, OACHC member health centers are the only source of health care for Medicaid patients and the uninsured. Community health centers are safety net providers of cost-effective, high-quality primary and preventive health care in Ohio. For over 40 years, community health centers have provided documented results:
• Up to 40 percent reductions in infant mortality rates
• Reduced health disparities among patients with chronic diseases
• Fewer ER visits and hospital admissions
• Shorter hospital stays
• Fewer unmet needs of the uninsured.

Ohio's Community Health Centers Serve All Ohioans
Ohio's Community Health Centers are required to provide care to all patients regardless of a person's insurance status or ability to pay. The following represents a breakdown of the patients that community health centers serve:
• 36% are uninsured
• 36% are on Medicaid
• 19% have private insurance
• 35% are 0-19 years old; 36% are 20-44 years old
• 49% are white; 34% are Black/African American

Community Health Centers Specialize in Meeting Community Needs
Ohio's community health centers were conceived locally, and are cultivated and administered locally. As community leaders realize a need for health care and apply for federal funding, successful applicants receive annual grant money from the Bureau of Primary Health Care. This grant funding is to be used to serve the growing uninsured population. Furthermore, health center boards are required to contain a 51 percent patient majority, and must be sensitive to the needs of their patients and community.

Ohio's Community Health Centers Impact the Economy
Beyond the outstanding health services provided to patients by community health centers, it is important to consider the impact health centers have on their communities. In Ohio, community health centers employ over 163 physicians, 39 dentists, over 220 nurses and approximately 1,700 total staff positions in areas where quality professionals are in short supply. The overall economic impact of the community health center system is estimated to be over $230 million in the state of Ohio.

Ohio Association of Community Health Centers
4150 Indianola Ave. Columbus, OH 43214
Main: (888) 884-3101 Fax: (614) 884-3108