Davis Urges Congressional Leaders to Protect Community Health Centers Amid Prolonged Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman DonDavis (NC-01) sent a letter calling on House leadership to include a full extension of the Community Health Center (CHC) Fund in any agreement to reopen the federal government, emphasizing the critical role these facilities play in sustaining healthcare access across rural and economically distressed  communities.

In a letter sent to Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congressman Davishighlighted the financial strain community health centers face as the government shutdown enters its third week. 

“Although temporary funds are helping during the government shutdown, Congress must extend funds for community health centers,” said Congressman DonDavis. “Patients who depend on community health centers may face significant hardships or disruption in care if Congress fails to act.”

The CHC Fund provides nearly 70 percent of the financial resources that health centers rely on to maintain operations. Nearly 800,000 North Carolinians—most living in rural or economically distressed areas—receive care through CHCs. In North Carolina alone, nearly 50 percent of these centers reported net revenue losses in 2024, with many already operating on thin financial margins.

In North Carolina’s First Congressional District, which has the highest concentration of economically distressed counties statewide, 10 CHC organizations operate 93 sites, employing 6,522 North Carolinians and generating $2.3 billion in economic impact, including $55.5 million in state and local tax revenue and $220.8 million in federal tax revenue.

Without congressional action, community health centers face potential service reductions, project delays, and staff layoffs, threatening access to primary and preventive care for millions of Americans.

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