Rep. Summer Lee Calls for Urgent Federal Funding

l. to r.: Bethany Blackburn, NSCHC CEO, Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Carilynn Alvarez Coulter, NSCHC COO

On Thursday, October 23, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) was recognized for her advocacy for equitable access to quality healthcare. The award comes as the ongoing government shutdown continues to create uncertainty for critical healthcare providers across the country, including FQHCs like North Side Christian Health Center. FQHCs rely on federal grants and Medicaid reimbursements to provide care to tens of thousands of patients in the region.

“Community health centers are the beating heart of our communities — they are where our neighbors go when they need help, whether they can afford it or not,” said Rep. Lee. “These centers are often the only place a working parent can bring a sick child without worrying about the bill, where a senior can get the medication that keeps them alive, where someone struggling with addiction or mental health finally finds care and compassion instead of judgment. They are literal lifelines — not luxuries — for millions of people across this country.”

FQHCs serve nearly 81,000 in Western Pennsylvania. These centers deliver essential services such as preventive care, dental care, behavioral health, chronic disease management, and substance use treatment.

Background on Federally Qualified Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers are community-based nonprofits funded by HRSA to serve uninsured, underinsured, and low-income individuals. Services are offered on a sliding scale, ensuring care is accessible to all regardless of ability to pay.

Nationally:

  • FQHCs serve nearly 34 million patients annually.

  • 64% of patients are people of color.

  • 59% are publicly insured, 18% are uninsured.

  • They employ over 326,000 full-time staff at 17,000+ sites.

  • Medicaid covers about half of all FQHC patients, representing 42% of their total revenue.

Community Health Centers are the healthcare home for historically underserved communities, including:

  • 1.5 million people experiencing homelessness

  • 10 million children

  • 428,312 veterans

  • 4.1 million patients over the age of 65

  • Over 6 million uninsured people

  • Over 20.5 million people with low income

  • Over 10 million rural residents

Without reliable federal funding, FQHCs face staffing cuts, reduced operating hours, and barriers to essential care — threatening access for millions of working families nationwide.

Cyndy Tabor