Advocacy
CHCs are the future of health care
Watch our advocacy video!
We work to amplify the voice, presence, and influence of Community Health Centres (CHCs) to advance policy and systems change. BCACHC is a strong advocate for the CHC sector as a whole, particularly around sustainable funding to support the model.
Raising awareness about CHCs
CHCs are a great way to do business. These centres focus on the health of the whole community, preventing long-term health system costs.
CHCs deserve support
The Community Health Centre model is a proven, stable, and consistent primary care delivery model that is cost effective and produces better health outcomes. Our member CHCs report high levels of job satisfaction among their integrated, multi-disciplinary teams.
This model not only improves quality of life and work satisfaction for primary care providers, which leads to higher retention, but also makes the best use of their skills, talents and knowledge.
CHCs need separate funding
The current Primary Care Network (PCN) framework for funding care does not align with Community Health Centre principles and inhibits CHC growth, development and our capacity to serve the needs of communities and specific population groups in BC. Our position is that:
(1) CHCs should be looked at as a solution to health care access for communities and
(2) A separate funding model should be created to assist with the development and the operation of these health centres.
CHCs are a win for everyone
Hear from Community Health Centres in BC about how the model brings our the best in everyone, from clinicians to patients to governments and funders. Change is needed in Primary Care, and the CHC model is a key solution!
STEPS CHC Kamloops: Effective, equity-driven, team-base care
How does team-based care work in a Community Health Centre setting? Watch this video and learn more about STEPS, a CHC in Kamloops that brings together a unique set of services and supports to improve wellbeing in their community. Just imagine what this team could do with stable funding for their programs and staff.
Amplifying the voice of community
At present, only 14 of the 38 operational CHCs in B.C. are funded by the BC government. They are not, however, funded for 100% of their operations. The current mechanism to receive funding is through a collaboration process with a regional Primary Care Network created to develop regional health service plans and allocate funding to agencies to support the delivery of primary care services.
Most CHCs do not receive sufficient funding to support the spectrum of services they provide. With additional support and an integrated funded model, CHCs could be a model where communities play an integral role in deciding what their needs are, govern the centres, strengthen accountability to their community and funders and most importantly, patients benefit from improved access and better overall health and social outcomes.
Sustainable CHCs
BCACHC advocates for sustainable funding for CHCs and for an approach to funding that supports the full implementation of the CHC model.
Community-led CHCs
BCACHC advocates for community voices to be heard and strives for community involvement in health care planning
Increase in CHCs
BCACHC advocates for CHCs to become an accessible and preferred model for community-based care, and for an increase in the number of CHCs in the province.
Supported CHCs
BCACHC advocates for resources, services, and tools for CHCs to support our members and the vital role they play within health and social service sectors.
Research on CHCs
BCACHC works with our partners to advance a clear message: Communities want support for a wrap-around approach to care delivered by a multidisciplinary team that integrates social justice principles and addresses the social determinants of health. Read more about the some research on the Community Health Centre model.