August 13-19 is National Health Center Week, and health centers are a valuable resource for anyone without health insurance. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Health Centers provide preventative and primary care services for patients even if they do not have health insurance, and patients can pay what they can afford based on their income. HRSA Health Centers provide services like:
- Checkups for adults and children
- Treatment for ill patients
- Care for pregnant women
- Immunizations for children
- Some health centers also provide mental health, substance abuse, oral health, and/or vision services
HRSA provides a free online Find a Health Center tool, where users can search by zip code, city, or state to locate health centers in their communities. Patients should contact the health center organization directly to confirm the availability of specific services and to make an appointment.
National Library of Medicine also provides free online tools for finding low-cost healthcare options:
- Check MedlinePlus for resources related to choosing a doctor or health service, health facilities, and financial assistance options for healthcare.
- Check American Indian Health for links related to healthcare access for Native American communities.
Check AIDSource for services and assistance related to HIV/AIDS treatment.
