Why is National Health Center Week observed during the month of August?
Health Center Week was not always celebrated in August. However, it has become month of choice to reach out to lawmakers and the media and to promote the health center legislative agenda. For example, Congress traditionally takes a recess in August allowing US Representatives and Senators to return to their home states and congressional districts. It is normally the time just before final decisions are made in Congress on appropriations and a host of other issues that may affect health center programs. Members of Congress are eager to attend public events at health centers and to meet and hear from their constituents. In addition, August is generally a slow news month for the media. With Congress and many state legislatures either on recess or adjourned, reporters are searching for stories and issues to cover. Also, health centers have found that August is an ideal time to reach out to families and children with Health Fairs/Screenings and Back- to-School Immunizations.
