Nebraska community health centers, a statewide network of medical, dental, behavioral health and related community services, are facing a grave financial shortfall amid COVID-19 concerns. 

At the federal level, members of Congress are negotiating the fate of community health centers amid COVID-19 and have not reauthorized long-term funding that supports health care for uninsured individuals. At the state level, the governor’s funding package does not specifically include or name community health centers. Total losses to Nebraska’s health centers could exceed $6 million over the next 12 weeks if funding is not received.

Community health centers are needed on the frontline of COVID-19 response and are continuing to do their part during the pandemic despite still waiting for their funding. They are serving all Nebraskans, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and helping to reduce the burden on hospitals and emergency rooms.

With coronavirus cases soaring, there is a crisis going on within the health centers. They don’t have enough resources to address current needs, doctors, nurses and other front-line medical workers are confronting a dire shortage of masks, gowns and eye gear to protect them from the virus.

Many health centers are triaging patients either in the parking lot or over the phone to limit exposure. They are all exploring increased use of telehealth and restructuring how they are serving their patients so those with respiratory symptoms are quarantined to specific areas within the center. Some health centers are reporting 50% reduction in patient population.

“We are seeing patients on the front line and stable funding is vital to our ability to provide ongoing care in our communities”, said Andrea Skolkin, CEO of OneWorld Community Health Centers.

– Health Center Association of Nebraska