Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Tennessee’s community health centers are vital to the well-being of nearly 428,000 residents, according to new data.

The centers must report detailed information annually to the federal government through the Uniform Data System, which helps measure their performance and impact.

Libby Thurman, CEO of the Tennessee Primary Care Association, said the data reveal a significant 2.6% increase in patients served compared with 2020, with a notable surge in care for specific groups, particularly students at school-based service sites.

“These are individuals, most likely children, that are seen in their schools,” Thurman explained. “There are school based health centers that likely provided those services. So looking at trend data from 2020 to 2023, almost a 38% increase in the number of patients seen in that setting.”

Meanwhile, In Nashville, Neighborhood Health has expanded its services by 12%, witnessing growth across all patient demographics, including a 31% increase in pediatric patients, a 29% rise in care for pregnant women, and a 19% increase in patients from minority groups.

Community Health Centers provide health care to more than 31 million Americans annually, many of whom lack adequate insurance. Thurman reported trend data from 2020 to 2023 showed a 9.3% increase in the number of visits or services provided. She added community health centers saw more patients receiving comprehensive services.

“We provide primary care but we also provide services like dental, vision and enabling services,” Thurman outlined. “Which are really kind of those wraparound, comprehensive services to make sure that patients can get all their needs met. But we saw a pretty big increase in dental patients at 19.1%. “

Thurman pointed out the data revealed in 2023, more than 4,800 patients received vision services, a 111% increase from 2020. More than 54,000 patients have accessed mental health services at a Tennessee Health Center.