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Utilization of Special Populations Input

Community Health Centers (CHCs) serve all patients, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or even ability to pay.  As such, some CHCs receive special population funding which focuses on certain populations such as homeless[1], Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MSAW)[1] and residents of public housing[1]. If a health center receives this special funding OR additional funding that supplements their regular CHC funding (Section 330 e), it is a requirement that there is representation on the Board of Directors of these specific special populations. Chapter 20: Board Composition outlines those requirements. Receiving input from special population representatives provides a valuable resource in the successful oversight of the health center program in various key areas. For example:
  • Hours of Operation:  A health center should have hours of operation that align to the most requested appointment times or in demand services. It’s important that health centers try to minimize access barriers as much as possible; ask patients if hours are a hindrance to receiving care. An example of minimizing access barriers would be to offer extended (evening) hours for MSAW as they work long hours and may not be able to take time off work during the day.  
  • Accessible Locations:  Health centers should review if the locations currently offered are accessible to all patients, including those patients identified as special populations. An evaluation of accessibility may mean traveling to the location of the patient instead of the patient coming to the health center. For example, patients identified as homeless may not have access to transportation; a health center may want to explore providing services at a local shelter, or analyzing whether getting a mobile unit would be financially feasible. 
Input from special populations patients is extremely important.  Without input from, e.g. homeless patients / those identified as homeless, or MSAW, a health center does not know if extended hours or changes in care delivery are needed. Input from special populations can be completed through focus groups, patient satisfaction surveys or methods that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. Health centers should document this feedback along with discussion within the board of director’s meeting minutes.   [1] https://bphc.hrsa.gov/programrequirements/compliancemanual/glossary.html
Community Health Centers (CHCs) serve all patients, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or even ability to pay.  As such, some CHCs receive special population funding which focuses on certain populations such as homeless[1], Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MSAW)[1] and residents of public housing[1]. If a health center receives this special funding OR additional funding that supplements their regular CHC funding (Section 330 e), it is a requirement that there is representation on the Board of Directors of these specific special populations. Chapter 20: Board Composition outlines those requirements. Receiving input from special population representatives provides a valuable resource in the successful oversight of the health center program in various key areas. For example:
  • Hours of Operation:  A health center should have hours of operation that align to the most requested appointment times or in demand services. It’s important that health centers try to minimize access barriers as much as possible; ask patients if hours are a hindrance to receiving care. An example of minimizing access barriers would be to offer extended (evening) hours for MSAW as they work long hours and may not be able to take time off work during the day.  
  • Accessible Locations:  Health centers should review if the locations currently offered are accessible to all patients, including those patients identified as special populations. An evaluation of accessibility may mean traveling to the location of the patient instead of the patient coming to the health center. For example, patients identified as homeless may not have access to transportation; a health center may want to explore providing services at a local shelter, or analyzing whether getting a mobile unit would be financially feasible. 
Input from special populations patients is extremely important.  Without input from, e.g. homeless patients / those identified as homeless, or MSAW, a health center does not know if extended hours or changes in care delivery are needed. Input from special populations can be completed through focus groups, patient satisfaction surveys or methods that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. Health centers should document this feedback along with discussion within the board of director’s meeting minutes. [1] https://bphc.hrsa.gov/programrequirements/compliancemanual/glossary.html

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