On Monday, March 7, nearly 650 community health center advocates joined CHCANYS in Albany to ask policymakers for immediate help in filling a $54.4 million gap in annual reimbursement for care for indigent patients and to explain why meaningful investment in community health centers is so important. The standing-room-only event was a huge success, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the health center patients, staff, board members and supporters in attendance, many of whom traveled long distances to bring attention to the shortfall in indigent care funds and to tell their stories. A big thank you to all who participated.
The New York Senate and Assembly are scheduled to release their one-house budget bills next week. In the meantime, the CHCANYS Policy Team will continue to build upon the incredible momentum of Monday’s Advocacy Day in its ongoing work to ensure the stability of New York State’s FQHCs.