Community health centers (CHCs) come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from rural practices with just a few doctors to multispecialty offices with multiple sites in urban areas. They emerged from the 1960s civil rights movement and the war on poverty initiative, and shared the same joint mission: to help the underserved populations of our country. 

<p>Community health centers (CHCs) come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from rural practices with just a few doctors to multispecialty offices with multiple sites in urban areas. They emerged from the <a href="https://www.nachc.org/about/about-our-health-centers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1960s civil rights movement and the war on poverty initiative</a>, and shared the same joint mission: to help the underserved populations of our country.</p><p><br></p><p>Health centers are a great place to serve the underserved, but <a href="https://www.nachc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NACHC-2022-Workforce-Survey-Full-Report-1.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">research shows</a> that due to the pandemic, 68% of health centers recently reported losing 5-25% of their workforce, and 15% recently reported losing 25-50%. These rates of workforce loss are unfortunate, not only for the health centers but for the patients who need access to quality health care.</p><p><br></p><p>Working in a health center may only be attractive to some; however, we found many reasons why you might love working in a community health center.</p><h2>Build a truly meaningful career</h2><p>CHCs are mission-driven, providing quality, compassionate medical care to people who most need it. Those who choose to take this mission to heart find a great purpose that creates a sense of unity and family. You’ll be a part of a team that strives to improve the health and well-being of the community.</p><h2>Enjoy variety in what you do everyday</h2><p>CHCs provide care from the cradle to the grave, so every day is different. The patients come from all walks of life; some have never seen a doctor. You never know who you will meet or what medical conditions you must treat. It can include providing prenatal care, well-child care, primary care, routine procedures, and counsel on end-of-life decision-making. It’s an excitingly broad scope of focus that helps keep their skills sharp..</p><h2>Work at a center of innovation</h2><p>Community health workers at CHCs are innovators, healers, and problem-solvers who reach beyond the walls of conventional healthcare delivery systems to prevent illness and address its environmental causes – the social determinants of health. Because they’re motivated by their mission to improve the health of a population that faces many challenges, they must often think outside the box to deliver the best care they can.</p><h2>Do work that makes a difference</h2><p>CHCs are well-equipped to provide patients with the tools necessary for greater health. One of the most fulfilling aspects of working in a CHC is seeing the positive change you can make in the community, as you will be essential to your patients’ lives and health journey. Finding and addressing the real reasons behind their health situation and positively impacting their well-being can be very rewarding.</p><p><br></p><p>Those working in community health are passionate about their work and find it incredibly fulfilling. Cross Country Workforce Solutions Groups has been providing clinical and non-clinical staffing to community health centers nationwide for over 20 years. If you want to join our mission, check out our <a href="https://jobs.healthcaretalent.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">available CHC job opportunities</a>.</p>

Top Reasons to Work in a Community Health Center