Florence County, South Carolina – HopeHealth is getting ready for a week of celebration, reflection, and community involvement as it takes part in National Health Center Week, which runs from August 2 to August 8. The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) hosts this weeklong event in August to highlight the important work that health centers do in communities across the country.
This year, the festival means a lot more in South Carolina because Governor Henry McMaster has formally declared the week to honor the state’s 23 community health centers and the more than 430,000 patients they serve. HopeHealth is one of the biggest facilities, serving more than 85,000 people in the counties of Clarendon, Florence, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg.
HopeHealth will hold a variety of events throughout the week to commemorate its hard-working staff, recognize partnerships with patients, and increase advocacy efforts. The group is employing a number of ways to connect with the public and promote its cause, such as hosting community events and using social media.
The first event is “Grits with Gents,” which will take place on Saturday, August 2 at 9 a.m. at the Streater Community Center in Florence. This ongoing event offers people a place to talk about men’s mental health and wellness in a safe and friendly way. There are motivational speakers and giveaways.
On Monday, August 4 at 10 a.m., community members are welcomed to “Stepping into National Health Center Week.” Before going for a group walk along the HopeHealth Medical Plaza walking trail, everyone will meet in the Streater Community Center. At the end of the program, there will be snacks and an opportunity to talk to HopeHealth personnel and patients.
HopeHealth is putting a lot of focus on both community-facing events and internal recognition. There will be appreciation activities all week long to honor employees. On “Social Media Day,” staff members are urged to post pictures on social media with the hashtag #NHCW25 to lend a digital touch to the celebrations.
HopeHealth is asking patients and supporters to be involved in advocacy in addition to the celebrations. Simple things, like contacting your congressional officials, can help draw attention to the financing and policy requirements of community health centers. If you want to become a health center advocate, you may find more information at hcadvocacy.org.
HopeHealth is a nonprofit organization and federally designated health center that remains committed to delivering competent and accessible care in all of its service areas. community members can find out more about events or services by visiting the HopeHealth Facebook page, going to hope-health.org, or calling 843-667-9414.
National Health Center Week is more than just a party; it’s a reminder of the important work that organizations like HopeHealth do to save lives and a call to action to help them do it.
