Celebrating Excellence in Advocacy and Community Health Leadership
Florida – Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. (FCHC) has been awarded Gold status in the prestigious Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) Program, recognizing its steadfast commitment to advocacy, community health, and patient care. This distinguished achievement places FCHC among a select group of health centers nationwide that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing health policy and supporting their communities through impactful advocacy efforts.
Earning Gold ACE status is no small feat. It reflects a level of focus, energy, and leadership that goes beyond day-to-day operations. To achieve this honor, FCHC has shown outstanding dedication in advocating for the needs of underserved populations, engaging with policymakers, and ensuring that the voices of its patients are heard at the local, state, and national levels.
“There are many challenges that health centers will face in the years ahead. However, the need for the services we provide will always be here. It is therefore crucial that we advocate for our patients and communities, ensuring that their needs continue to be met, their voices are heard, and we consistently communicate these priorities to policymakers and elected officials both locally and in Washington, DC.” – Melissa Allen Davis, 340B Coordinator and Fort Pierce Pharmacist.
The ACE Program recognizes health centers that demonstrate strong advocacy practices, including the development of sustainable advocacy plans, effective outreach to policymakers, and the integration of advocacy programs into the overall mission of the health center.
Gold status in the ACE Program is awarded to health centers that meet or exceed the highest standards of advocacy excellence, including:
- A demonstrated commitment to advocating for health policy and programs that benefit underserved communities.
- A strong culture of advocacy embedded within the health center’s organizational structure.
- Successful engagement with local, state, and national stakeholders to influence public health policy and legislation.
- Robust staff training and leadership development to support advocacy efforts.
FCHC’s Gold status reflects the hard work and dedication of its staff and leadership in prioritizing advocacy as a vital component of its mission to improve health outcomes in Florida’s most vulnerable communities. This recognition further establishes FCHC as a leader in community health and advocacy, setting a high standard for other health centers to follow.
