Today marks the start of National Health Center Week, a chance to celebrate the achievements and contributions of community health centers. Nonprofit community clinics and health centers are an essential source of care for people without health insurance in the U.S., providing health services to over 20 million people—many in medically underserved communities.

This year’s theme, “Powering Healthier Communities,” focuses on the many ways health centers serve their community members. Through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and medical manufacturers, Direct Relief provides support to over 1,000 nonprofit community clinics and health centers, in all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C., allowing this nonprofit safety net to deliver essential healthcare services to those who need it most.

Direct Relief’s 2012 State of the Safety Net report shows community clinics and health centers are experiencing an increase in the number of patients, particularly those without health insurance, and they expect 2012 to be even more challenging than 2011. In the face of these challenges, the work of community health centers should be commended.

Please join Direct Relief in celebrating National Health Center Week. Check back over the next few days for highlights of the work being done by Direct Relief partner clinics.