Diversity & Inclusion
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are community-based health care providers that receive funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to bring healthcare access to underserved communities, where healthcare providers treat some of the most vulnerable individuals and families.
There are more than 1,200 FQHCs across the United States, 16 of which are in Rochester – including Anthony Jordan Health, Trillium Health, Oak Orchard, Mosaic Health, and His Branches. Rochester Regional Health has 16 sub-recipient FQHC sites under the Mosaic Health grant.
Andrea Strecker serves as the Director of FQHC Operations for Rochester Regional Health and explains how these health centers function, the services they offer, and how they can benefit everyone in these communities.
Federally qualified health centers operate in urban, suburban, and rural locations, including Monroe and Wayne Counties.
Services provided through these locations includes:
Additional services are also available at these health centers, such as:
Providers at the health center will listen to the needs of their patients and refer them to any community services that are needed.
“The benefit of federally qualified health centers aligned with Rochester Regional Health is that they are part of a larger health system with a common Electronic Medical Record,” Strecker said. “We have connections and can refer patients to an entire network of providers across different specialties, hospitals, and locations.”
Health centers run through Rochester Regional Health operate a sliding fee program, which offers health care coverage for patients who don’t have insurance or whose insurance doesn’t fully cover their care. Discounts are calculated based on household size and income, and covers patients for up to 12 months.
Some health systems, including Rochester Regional Health, also offer financial assistance for patients who are both insured and uninsured. Financial counselors on site help patients with discount programs, getting enrolled into insurance, and other needs that may arise.
Providers at FQHCs work with everyone, but typically those living in underserved communities. They ensure that no one arriving at a center seeking treatment is denied access to care due to lack of ability to pay.
At Rochester Regional Health, FQHCs stand out because of their governing board of directors. The board of directors is consumer-majority driven, meaning at least 50 percent of board members are required to be patients of health centers who are referred by providers. This places patients in a direct role of overseeing federal requirements, and reviewing operations, policies, and financial information.
A patient advisory committee also incorporates feedback from patients, their families, and providers with the goal of creating a better healthcare experience for both patients and providers at health centers.
In 2022, federally qualified health centers with Rochester Regional Health served more than 87,000 patients, including people experiencing homelessness, agricultural workers, people living in public housing, and military veterans.
“The best part of our health centers is the quality of care is the same as any other practice,” Strecker said. “We don’t treat our patients differently or practice care differently just because they are at a FQHC. Patients are receiving the same quality of care at these sites as they would if they were to go to any other Rochester Regional Health practices.”
