First Choice Community Health Centers

First Choice Community Health Centers (FCCHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing primary health care and dental services to underserved populations. Established in 1979, FCCHC serves the residents of Harnett and surrounding counties.

Mission and Services

The mission of First Choice Community Health Centers is to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services with excellence and compassion for the entire community. They are committed to treating patients with respect, dignity, and compassion while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. FCCHC offers a range of services focused on meeting the healthcare needs of its diverse clientele, including primary health care and dental services.

Certification and Recognition

FCCHC is certified as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), which enables it to receive special payment rates under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This designation also qualifies them for federal funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, allowing them to operate as part of the U.S. healthcare safety net.

Community Impact

By providing access to healthcare regardless of income or insurance status, FCCHC plays a vital role in serving underinsured and uninsured communities. They implement a sliding fee scale based on patient income to ensure affordability and accessibility of healthcare services.

Governance and Community Engagement

Like other FQHCs, FCCHC emphasizes community governance. Although specific details about their governance structure are not provided here, community health centers typically have a board of directors with a patient-majority composition, ensuring that the community's needs are directly integrated into the decision-making process.

Role in Healthcare Education and Training

While specific details about educational programs at FCCHC are not included, many similar health centers engage in teaching and training healthcare professionals. This includes partnering with local and national organizations to offer clinical rotations and residencies, thereby contributing to the development of the healthcare workforce.

First Choice Community Health Centers operates as a model for community-centered healthcare, focusing on empowerment through health education and access to care, which are essential components of addressing the complex health challenges faced by underserved communities.