Community health centers serve 1 in 11 Americans. They’re a safety net under stress

By DEVI SHASTRI
AP Health Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Federally funded community health centers serve 1 in 11 Americans. Most of them are low-income and many are underinsured. The health centers are under stress as they work to meet the specific needs of their communities because of uncertain funding and staffing issues. The number of people seeking care increased 45% in a decade. The centers treat a range of populations, including migrants, rural residents with limited health care options and multiple generations of families.