CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The CHC Movement - Hosted by: Dan Hawkins

Episode:012 Our Guest: Grace Wang, MD, MPH, FAAFP Family Physician International Community Health Services (ICHS) Seattle, WA Grace Wang discusses her experience serving her community and her country as a Family Physician at the International Community Health Services in Seattle, WA CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion

Episode:011 Our Guest: Jay Breines Chief Executive Officer Holyoke Health Center Holyoke. MA Jay Breines reviews his career progression from CEO of a small CHC in VT to a larger CHC in Holyoke. MA, and his philanthropic turn at bringing relief and hope to the people of Puerto Rico CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion

Episode:010 Our Guest: Rachel A. Gonzales-Hanson Chief Executive Officer Community Health Development, Inc. Uvalde, TX Rachel A. Gonzales-Hanson tells of her experience as a single mother who joined the Board of a CHC in rural Uvalde, TX,, then served as receptionist before rising to become its CEO CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:009 Our Guest: Mike Holmes President and CEO Scenic Rivers Health Services Cook, MN Mike Holmes discusses his experience as head of Scenic Rivers Health Services, a small rural CHC network in the northern MN Iron Range, and his election to serve as NACHC’s Board Chair CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:008 Our Guest: Teresita Batayola, MSUA President and CEO International Community Health Services (ICHS) Seattle, WA Teresita Batayola shares her early life experience in Seattle, WA, which motivated her quest to serve the Asian-Pacific Islander community at International Community Health Services (ICHS), serving the greater Northwest CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:007 Our Guest: Col. Brodes H. Hartley President and CEO Community Health of South Florida HealthPoint Homestead, FL Col. Brodes H. Hartley shares his experience helming the large CHC network, Community Health of South Florida, and his pride at the organization’s national recognition for quality care CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:006 Our Guest: Tess Stack Kuenning, CNS, MS, RN Bi-State Primary Care Association HealthPoint Bow, NH Tess Stack Kuenning examines how her experience as a Peace Corps nurse in Nepal led her to her current role as CEO of the Bi-State Primary Care Association, serving VT and NH CHC Conversations – The Oral History of The Community Health Center Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:005 Our Guest: Thomas Trompeter President and CEO HealthPoint Renton, WA Thomas Trompeter reviews his career progression from staff assistant at a Regional Assn in MO to taking the helm of HealthPoint, one of the nation’s largest CHCs, in WA CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:004 Our Guest: Carmela Castellano-Garcia, Esq. President and CEO California Primary Care Association Sacramento, CA Carmela Castellano-Garcia discusses her experience as CEO of the California Primary Care Association, the largest statewide CHC association in the USA CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:003 Our Guest: Michael R. Taylor Chief Executive Officer Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center

Episode:002 Our Guest: Lindsay Farrell CEO Open Door Family Medical Center Ossining, NY Lindsay Farrell assesses her experience leading Open Door Family Medical Center in Ossining, NY, and its development into a large regional CHC network CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.

Episode:001 Our Guest: John Silva, President and CEO Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Inc. Methuen, MA John Silva speaks about his 40-year career with health centers, beginning in Massachusetts, Missouri, and Oklahoma, and finally returning to Massachusetts, 50 miles from his childhood home CHC Conversations – The History of CHC Movement This video podcast showcases the rice, diverse, and important living history of the health center movement told through a series of conversations with health centers leaders, executives, medical professionals and community health thought leaders. The nation’s first health centers opened in 1965. Today, expansion of the federally supported health center system has grown to over 1,400 organizations, operating more than 10,000 clinic sites serving more than 29 million patients and generating $55 billion in economic activity annually. Health centers help increase access to crucial primary care by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for their patients. In doing so, health centers provide substantial benefits to the country and its health care system. Learn about the vital role that community health centers play in the American health care system. Hosted by: Dan Hawkins Dan Hawkins is Senior Adviser to the President and CEO at the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (NACHC). From 1981 through 2018, he headed the Public Policy and Research Division of NACHC, where he provided NACHC's membership with federal and state health-related policy research, analysis, advocacy, and leadership. During his time in policy, federal support for health centers grew from $350 million in 1981 to $6 billion annually in 2018, and the number of people served by health centers has grown from 5 million to over 28 million. Prior to joining NACHC, Dan served as a VISTA volunteer, Director of a migrant and community health center located in south Texas, and as an assistant to HHS Secretary Joseph Califano during the Carter Administration. He has written numerous articles and monographs on health care issues, and has provided testimony before several Congressional Committees. Dan has lectured on health policy topics at the George Washington University and several other universities, and has been interviewed frequently by major newspapers and radio/television networks. He has been named by Faulkner & Gray as one of America's most influential health policy makers. Sponsored by: National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded in 1971 to promote efficient, high quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient-centered for all. NACHC also works closely with chartered state and regional Primary Care Associations (PCAs) to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Community Health Ventures (CHV) Community Health Ventures (CHV) is the business development affiliate of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). With over 100 years of collective experience, CHV’s management team has been instrumental in the development and expansion of community health centers and in the programs that support that growth.