Elizabeth H. Swain, CHCANYS President and CEO since 2005, was inducted Thursday into the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Grassroots Advocacy Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.
Grassroots Advocacy Hall of Fame members have all made lasting contributions to ensuring the creation, survival and strength of community health centers and the community health center movement through their dedicated and tireless efforts over many years.
Ms. Swain received her award at a ceremony held at the Newseum.
“Thirty-five years ago I walked into the Pike Market Community Clinic in Seattle in search of work that would be meaningful to me. All these years later, this continues to be the work I love and CHCANYS continues to be the best job I could have wished for,” Ms. Swain said.
“We have accomplished so much, but there’s so much more to do as we reconfirm our dedication to the people of New York and access to high quality primary health care for all. I am honored to accept this recognition of behalf of all of us at CHCANYS and the good people we serve,” she said.
“I congratulate Elizabeth for her tireless work and advocacy and induction into the National Association of Community Health Centers Grassroots Advocacy Hall of Fame,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY).
Known as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), CHCANYS members serve 1.8 million patients at more than 600 sites across New York State. FQHCs provide the full range of medical care, including OB-GYN, eye and dental care, behavioral health, and more. FQHCs must serve an underserved area or population.
About Federally Qualified Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers (FQHC) are not-for-profit, community-based providers that provide high quality, cost-effective, patient-centered primary and preventive health services to anyone seeking care, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. FQHCs are medical homes, offering a comprehensive model of care that is associated with demonstrated improved outcomes and reduced costs. Serving 1.8 million New Yorkers at over 600 sites statewide, New York State’s 65 FQHCs form an extensive primary care network that is central to the health care safety net.
About the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS): CHCANYS’ mission is to ensure that all New Yorkers, including those who live in medically underserved communities, have continuous access to high quality community-based health care services, including a primary care home. CHCANYS serves as the voice of community health centers as leading providers of primary health care in New York State. For more information, visit www.chcanys.org.
