We want to thank you for yet another successful National Health Center Week! CHCANYS staff was honored to participate in a number of the celebrations that took place across the state, as health centers demonstrated the different ways in which they unite and affect positive change within the communities they serve.
Activities and Links
For a list of National Health Center Week events that were hosted across New York State, click here.
To view / read video and newspaper coverage of National Health Center Week events, click here.
To see photos taken at various events during National Health Center Week, click here.
In celebration of National Health Center Week 2012, Urban Health Plan for the third year in a row released its Blue Glove video, an advocacy project to inform stakeholders, media and the community about the important role played by community health centers. Click here to watch!
To view/download a copy of the 2012 NYC Mayoral Proclamation, click here.
To view/download a copy of the 2012 New York State Proclamation, click here.
Marketing Resources
LOGO
Download the 2012 National Health Center Week logo: HERE
Here are some sample activities you can start thinking about doing for NHCW.
Voter Registration Drive National Health Center Week provides a great opportunity to kick off voter engagement activities at your health center. Create a voter kiosk area outside your health center or in the waiting room, where materials and registration forms can be easily completed and collected.
Health Fair Demonstrate the health center focus on prevention by offering fitness tests, immunizations, blood pressure and other screenings, etc. These events can be held on-site or elsewhere in the community, at a shopping mall or a church, for example.
Open House or Reception Introduce visitors, including local dignitaries, to key staff and board members and provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about health center programs targeted to primary care and prevention. A reception also provides a wonderful opportunity to thank partners and supporters for their service and commitment.
Public Forum Engage public officials, local health authorities and representatives of community groups and health organizations to participate in public dialogue or a town meeting about pressing community health issues. Expand the base of support by asking other organizations to join as cosponsors. Notify the media.
Fundraiser A dance, auction, raffle or concert can help to celebrate health center week and raise community awareness and funds.
Proclamation Request that the Mayor, County Executive or other local leader officially proclaim "Health Center Week" and then present the proclamation at a health center event. Download a sample letter of request and/or a sample proclamation via the links above. Please insert information specific to your locality and health center before sending.
Newspaper, Radio or Television Event Coverage If you are planning an event, inform the local newspapers, radio stations and television stations of the key details, including name of the event, date and time, location and names of local or other dignitaries who will be in attendance. If services such as screenings will be offered, include information about those services. Coming soon: Sample media releases.
Newspaper, Radio or Television Issue Coverage Coverage of health care issues including cost and quality can be found in most of the nation's newspapers. To the extent that there is a linkage between a topical issue and a local angle number of uninsured, health care disparities, prescription drugs use it to draw community members into Health Center Week.
Coordination and planning are essential. Local media are more likely to cover events if elected officials or other local dignitaries are in attendance. Elected officials will be more likely to get involved if they are invited in advance, can expect to be formally recognized, and expect to find a large crowd in attendance. Community members are more likely to attend if they have heard and read about the events in the local media and if they know that local officials will be in attendance. The earlier the word is out and the more avenues used to advertise, the better.
