Collaborating for health equity: A perspective of an federally qualified health center's community partnerships and initiatives

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) were established to improve community health, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations throughout the U.S. FQHCs offer a comprehensive model of care that is associated with demonstrated improved outcomes and reduced costs. They provide integrated preventive and primary care along with behavioral health, dental health, and social supports. With the mission of achieving health equity at its core, FQHCs are a critical part of the community, removing barriers to care for individuals who might otherwise not receive it. A major tenet understood by FQHCs is that social determinants of health—such as where one lives, works, and plays—are key drivers of health. Therefore, it is not enough for FQHCs to only provide health care within their walls; they understand the importance of reaching beyond their walls to improve the health and well-being of their patients.