The Public Housing Primary Care (PHPC) Program stands as a critical federal initiative designed to improve healthcare access for residents living in public housing. Administered through grants to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), this program addresses the unique healthcare challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
Origins and Authorization of the PHPC Program
Established under the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1990, the PHPC Program was initially introduced as Section 340A of the Public Health Service Act. Its foundation was further solidified and reauthorized through the Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1996, becoming Section 330(i) of the Public Health Service Act. This legislative history underscores the program’s enduring commitment to supporting healthcare within public housing communities.
Mission and Service Delivery of PHPC Program
At its core, the mission of the Public Housing Primary Care Program is to ensure that public housing residents have readily available access to comprehensive primary health care services. This is achieved through health promotion and disease prevention activities coupled with direct primary care services. Crucially, these services are delivered directly within public housing developments or at locations easily accessible to residents, removing geographical barriers to care.
National Impact and Health Center Involvement
By 2015, the reach of the PHPC Program was substantial, with 297 health centers operating clinical sites in or near public housing. Among these, 106 health centers received specific, targeted PHPC funding, highlighting the program’s focused investment in this area. This demonstrates the significant role FQHCs play in extending healthcare services to public housing communities nationwide.
Resources and Support for PHPC Health Centers
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) provides robust support to health centers participating in the PHPC program. This support operates at both program and policy levels. Notably, NACHC has established a dedicated Health Care in Public Housing Task Force. This Task Force, comprised of 20 NACHC members representing health centers serving public housing residents, plays a vital advisory role. It guides NACHC’s Board of Directors and staff on issues pertinent to delivering care to this population and fosters collaboration among stakeholders dedicated to serving public housing residents.
