Regional Health Systems to recognize patients, staff, board members, and supporters during National Health Center Week

Every year, thousands of health centers throughout the country celebrate National Health Center Week to spotlight the vital work being done by community health centers. One organization that has big plans in place for this week is Regional Health Systems, a Regional Care Group member that is focused on whole-body care.

Kimberly Turner, executive assistant of the Health Clinic branch within Regional Health Systems, values the importance of recognizing National Health Center Week every year.

“National Health Center Week is one of the most meaningful times of the year for our organization because it celebrates the vital role community health centers play in improving the health and well-being of our communities,” Turner said. “It gives us an opportunity to recognize the dedication of our staff, thank our patients for trusting us with their care, and highlight the partnerships that help us expand access to quality, affordable healthcare. It’s also a chance to educate the public about the wide range of services we provide and reaffirm our commitment to caring for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.”

This year, there will be a block party event on Tuesday, August 4 at the Hammond Care Campus located at 4022 Hohman Ave. While still in Hammond, this is the first year the block party will be held at the Hammond Care Campus location. The purpose of this event is to create a welcoming environment where people can learn about the available healthcare services in their community, while having fun and interacting with others.

“Our National Health Center Week Block Party is designed to be a fun, family-friendly celebration that brings the community together,” Turner said. “Attendees can expect health education, wellness information, opportunities to connect with our care teams, activities for children and families, giveaways, entertainment, and community resources from local organizations.”

National Health Center Week starts on Sunday, August 2, and runs daily through Saturday, August 8. Each day is dedicated to a particular focus area:

• Sunday, August 2: Celebrating Our History
• Monday, August 3: Staff Appreciation Day
• Tuesday, August 4: Block Party
• Wednesday, August 5: Health Condition Focus Day
• Thursday, August 6: Patient Appreciation Day
• Friday, August 7: Partner Appreciation Day
• Saturday, August 8: Gratitude and Future Vision

“Each day highlights a different part of the community health center mission. Whether it’s recognizing patients, celebrating healthcare employees, honoring our board members, or focusing on partnerships and access to care, every theme reflects the collaborative effort required to deliver comprehensive healthcare,” Turner said. “Together, the week demonstrates that quality care goes beyond medical appointments—it includes prevention, education, community partnerships, and the people who make our mission possible every day.”

While Regional Health Systems supports the national themes displayed this week, the organization follows a slightly different schedule.

“We’ve customized our schedule to better reflect the needs and interests of the communities we serve. Our Focus Day approach allows us to spotlight local programs, recognize our staff and community partners in meaningful ways, and host events that are most impactful for our patients. It’s our way of bringing the national campaign to life while emphasizing the services, relationships, and priorities that matter most in Northwest Indiana,” Turner said.

This year’s National Health Center Week theme, “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” aligns with the mission and work of Regional Health Systems.

“Building innovative care means finding new and effective ways to meet people where they are—whether that’s through expanded access to primary care, behavioral health services, preventive care, community outreach, or partnerships that remove barriers to healthcare,” Turner said. “Our goal has always been to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care that improves health outcomes, and this theme reinforces our commitment to continually evolving to meet our community’s changing needs.”

Regional Health Systems attributes the success of the community health centers to the patients, staff, board members, and supporters who make it possible to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services. National Health Center Week serves as the perfect opportunity for the organization to share their appreciation.

“Our patients inspire us every day with their resilience and trust,” Turner said. “Our providers, nurses, behavioral health providers, dental professionals, medical assistants, and support staff work tirelessly to provide exceptional care with compassion and respect. Our volunteer board members help ensure we remain responsive to the communities we serve, while our community partners and supporters strengthen our ability to expand access and improve lives.

While National Health Center Week is a celebration, it’s also a reminder of the important work that the Regional Health Systems does throughout the year.

“We invite community members to participate in our events, learn more about our services, and discover how community health centers improve lives every day,” Turner said. “At Regional Health Systems, we’re proud to serve Northwest Indiana and remain committed to providing accessible, comprehensive, and compassionate healthcare for every individual and family in our community.”

For more information on Regional Health Systems, you can visit rhs.care.