A resolution expressing support for the designation of the first week of August 2026, as "National Community Health Center Week", encouraging all people of the United States to participate by visiting their local community health center, and celebrating the important partnership between community health centers and the communities they serve.

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Bennet and 16 co-sponsors

Designates the first week of August 2026 as National Community Health Center Week to raise awareness and encourage visits to local CHCs.

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Summary of Bill: S. Res. 843 (119th Congress)

Purpose and Intent

Expresses support for designating the first week of August 2026 as “National Community Health Center Week.”

Encourages all United States residents to participate by visiting their local community health center.

Celebrates the partnership between community health centers and the communities they serve.

Aims to recognize the role of community health centers in the U.S. health system and their contributions to public health.

Key Provisions and Changes

Recognition and Designation

Supports designation of the first week of August 2026 as National Community Health Center Week.

Public Outreach and Participation

Encourages nationwide participation by visiting local community health centers during the designated week.

Congressional Statements and Commendations

Honors staff, board members, patients, and others involved in the ongoing success of community health centers since their inception.
Celebrates the historical and ongoing role of community health centers in shaping the U.S. health system.

No New Regulatory or Funding Mechanisms

As a Senate resolution, the bill does not create new programs, funding, or regulatory requirements. Its effect is largely symbolic and commemorative.

Who or What Would Be Affected

Community health centers (CHCs), their staff, boards, and patients

The general public, encouraged to engage with CHCs during National Community Health Center Week

Local communities that rely on CHCs for primary care and related services

Substantive Details and Context

Rationale Highlighted in the Resolution:

CHCs are described as the largest primary care network in the U.S., serving millions and spanning urban, rural, island, frontier, and suburban areas.
CHCs provide integrated services (primary care plus mental health, dental, vision, hearing, pharmacy) and prioritize patient governance.
CHCs are noted for economic impact, job creation, and contribution to public health outcomes (e.g., cancer screening, hypertension and diabetes management).
The resolution cites CHCs’ roles in addressing opioid overdoses, natural disasters, veterans’ care, and school-based/ mobile health services.

Economic and Employment Context Presented:

CHCs generate significant economic activity nationwide and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across healthcare professions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent on August 7, 2026, without amendments.

Consideration: Considered and agreed to with a preamble; no floor debate or vote recorded beyond unanimous consent.

Next Steps: As a Senate resolution, it does not require passage by the House or enact additional laws; it serves to recognize and commemorate National CHC Week.

Practical Implications

Public Awareness: The resolution can heighten public awareness of CHCs and their role in communities.

Community Engagement: Encourages communities to visit CHCs, which may raise visibility and support for CHCs.

Non-Binding Action: The resolution is symbolic and does not create new authority, funding, or regulatory changes.