Advocacy
As a Community Health Center (CHC), CHAS Health believes everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of income, insurance status, or background. But access to care depends on strong public policy. That’s why we work alongside patients, community partners, and elected officials to protect and strengthen the healthcare safety net.
LEARN
What is a Community Health Center?
Community Health Centers are nonprofit clinics that serve as a lifeline for millions of Americans. CHCs like CHAS Health:
- Serve everyone, regardless of income or insurance status
- Offer affordable care with a sliding fee scale based on income
- Are patient-led, with boards that include patients who help guide our mission
- Focus on community needs, including primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services
- Stretch every dollar—CHCs account for just 1% of U.S. healthcare spending, yet serve 1 in 7 people
Fast Facts
- 1 in 5 Spokane County residents is a CHAS Health patient
- CHCs serve 1 in 5 rural residents, 1 in 8 children, and 1 in 15 older adults
- Over 70% of CHC patients are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or are uninsured
There are more than 1,500 health centers nationwide
INSPIRE
Why Advocacy Matters
CHAS Health advocates for patient-centered policies across local, state, and federal levels.
Public policy shapes the healthcare landscape. CHAS Health works with partners at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure that laws and budgets reflect the needs of our patients and communities.
We believe in:
- Protecting Medicaid and ensuring coverage for vulnerable populations
- Sustaining health center funding to keep clinics open and staffed
- Preserving the 340B drug pricing program, which helps us offer affordable medications
- Investing in dental and school-based health services
- Supporting a strong healthcare workforce to meet growing demand
Our advocacy is nonpartisan and focused on patient impact. We do not advocate for our organization—we advocate for the people we serve. Our advocacy and policy work would not be possible without the support and partnerships that we have built at the local, state, and federal levels. This includes partnerships with our state primary care associations (PCAs), The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), and the elected officials that represent us.
To learn more about NACHC's legislative priorities, visit the NACHC's Policy Priorities website.
ACT
How You Can Help
Your voice can make a difference. Policymakers need to hear from the people their decisions affect most.
Policymakers need to hear from you, the people their decisions affect most.
- Share your story. Personal experiences help elected officials understand the real-world impact of healthcare policies.
- Contact your representatives. Let them know why access to care matters in your life and community.
- Stay informed. Follow CHAS Health on social media and check this page for updates on key issues.
Find Your Representatives
Use these tools to find and contact your elected officials: