The Center: News & Updates
Your central hub for SCHC news and updates, community stories, and health and wellness topics.
Vote No on Prop 44
Protecting Access to Community Health Care
This November, California voters will decide on Proposition 44, a statewide ballot measure that would change how federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) spend and report funding.
At Shasta Community Health Center, our mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate, whole-person care to everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay. We are concerned that Proposition 44 could reduce the flexibility community health centers need to meet local healthcare needs and continue providing comprehensive services to the patients who depend on them.
Community health centers already operate under extensive federal and state oversight, including financial audits, quality reporting, operational reviews, and governance requirements. In fact, federal law requires that a majority of every FQHC's Board of Directors (51%) be patients of that health center, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of the communities they serve.
An independent analysis commissioned by the campaign found Proposition 44 could reduce funding available to community health centers by approximately $1.7 billion in its first year, potentially leading to service reductions, delayed expansion projects, and reduced access to care for millions of Californians.
We encourage our patients, partners, and community members to learn more about Proposition 44 and how it could affect access to community health care throughout California.
Resources
- NO on Prop 44 Flyer (PDF)
- Prop 44 Q&A (PDF)
- NO on Prop 44 (website)
- California Official Voter Information Guide (website)
The Center: Community Newsletter
Welcome to The Center, Shasta Community Health Center’s community newsletter. Each seasonal issue features helpful health information, updates from our clinics, and highlights from the programs and partnerships that support the well-being of our community.
The Impact of Community Health Centers: Strengthening Communities, Changing Lives
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are more than clinics, they are cornerstones of care, connection, and compassion. From small rural towns to bustling cities, CHCs ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare regardless of insurance, income, background, or circumstance.
This video celebrates the impact of Community Health Centers across the Northern California region, highlighting how they treat the whole person and strengthen the communities they serve. Through real stories and leadership voices, we see what it truly means to provide care with heart.
Produced in collaboration with the Health Alliance of Northern California (HANC) and it's Community Health Center members:
- Shasta Community Health Center
- Shingletown Medical Center
- Hill Country Community Clinic
- Mountain Valleys Health Centers
- Western Sierra Medical Clinic
- Shasta Cascade Health Centers
- Northeastern Rural Health Clinic
July: UV Safety Awareness Month
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin even on cloudy or cool days. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, making sun protection important year-round.
Keep these tips in mind when spending time outdoors or on the road:
- Check the daily UV Index before heading outside. When the UV Index is 3 or higher, take extra precautions.
- Plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are generally less intense.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
- Remember that water, sand, concrete, and snow can reflect UV rays and increase your exposure.
- UV rays can also reach you while you're driving. Most front windshields block nearly all UVB rays and much of the UVA rays, but side and rear windows may allow more UVA rays to pass through. If you spend a lot of time in the car, consider wearing sunscreen on exposed skin and sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Sun safety isn't about avoiding the outdoors, it's about enjoying it safely. A few simple precautions can help protect your skin now and for years to come.
