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Since 2014, the 51�Թ���/Northwest Community Health Alliance (51�Թ���/NCHA) has provided lifesaving health care and services to underserved populations in Palm Beach County. Operated by the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the 51�Թ���/NCHA Community Health Center recently became the first university in Florida to be designated a “Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike” by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

An FQHC is a clinic that provides comprehensive primary, behavioral health and preventive care to patients of all ages in underserved and rural areas. To receive an FQHC Look-Alike designation, organizations must operate and provide services consistent with HRSA’s Health Center Program requirements to ensure health care for all underserved communities and vulnerable populations, regardless of ability to pay.

The 51�Թ���/NCHA Community Health Center is a vital resource in our community for a large portion of the population whose healthcare needs would otherwise go unmet. As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, we will be able to increase and enhance the important services provided.

Kudos to Community Health Center project director Karethy Edwards, Dr.PH, FNP-BC; the Community Health Center’s exceptional staff and leadership team; and Lynn College of Nursing Dean Safiya George, Ph.D. on receiving this important designation.