Advance Community Health was proud to participate in State Advocacy Day at the North Carolina General Assembly, joining community health centers from across the state to advocate for the patients and communities we serve.
As a federally qualified health center (FQHC) serving more than 25,000 patients annually across Wake and surrounding counties, our presence at the General Assembly reflects our commitment to ensuring that policy decisions are informed by real, on-the-ground patient experiences. With a growing network of 14 locations, including our Careplexes’ and mobile health services, Advance Community Health continues to expand access to high-quality, compassionate care for individuals and families across our region.
Throughout the day, our team met with legislators and their staff to discuss the critical role community health centers play in North Carolina’s healthcare system. A key focus of these conversations was the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which enables health centers like ours to stretch limited federal resources, reduce the cost of medications, and reinvest savings into essential services, such as behavioral health, dental care, pharmacy operations, and care coordination. These discussions helped to elevate awareness of how federal and state policy decisions directly impact our ability to provide comprehensive, affordable care to the communities we serve.
In addition to 340B, our team highlighted broader issues related to Medicaid access, workforce sustainability, and innovative care delivery models, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in community-based healthcare. By connecting policy to patient outcomes, we were able to share not only data, but also the real stories behind the care we provide every day.
We were especially proud to be represented by a diverse and collaborative group that reflects the full scope of Advance Community Health’s mission. Our delegation included Board Chair Rosa Navarro, Trustees Dr. Mark Melton and Dave Richard, CEO Scot McCray, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ottey, pharmacist Dr. Laurie Alejo, pharmacy technician Ms. Terry Hinnant, Government Relations Intern Omer “Deniz” Demirci of Fuquay-Varina High School, and Director of Government Relations and Economic Development, McKenzie Estep.
These conversations are essential to ensuring that legislative priorities reflect the realities of patient care. We are grateful for the time, engagement, and leadership of the legislators and staff who met with us and took a thoughtful interest in the work of community health centers.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the North Carolina Community Health Center Association (NCCHCA) for organizing a meaningful and impactful State Advocacy Day and for their continued leadership in advancing policies that support community health centers across North Carolina.
As we look ahead, Advance Community Health remains committed to serving as a trusted partner and resource to policymakers. We welcome continued dialogue and invite our state leaders to visit our Careplexes and clinical sites to see firsthand how policy translates into patient care and community impact.
State Advocacy Day serves as a powerful reminder that our work extends far beyond our clinic walls. It is rooted in advocacy, partnership, and a shared responsibility to ensure that every patient—regardless of circumstance—has access to the care they need.
