ICHS Celebrates National Health Center Week
With big smiles, three International Community Health Services (ICHS) Community Access team members greeted patients in front of the International District Medical & Dental Clinic on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. As part of the national theme "Building innovative care where it matters most", the staff shared instructions and resources for patients to learn ICHS' newest apps and digital tools to help patients stay healthy.
International Community Health Services (ICHS) joined with community health centers nationwide in celebrating National Health Center Week, an annual seven-day period organized to promote health centers and spotlight their critical importance in serving 1 in 7 Americans.
“Health centers like ICHS are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system,” said Kelli Nomura, ICHS Chief Executive Officer. “National Health Center Week is an opportunity for us to join our partners and advocates around the country to highlight our mission and enduring commitment to serving our patients and community.”
Since community health centers first launched in the 1960s, they've delivered affordable high-quality primary care with the fundamental understanding that where we live, work, worship, and play affects our health. And Therefore, addressing barriers to health and well-being is critical to healthier communities and patients.
Today, there are 1,512 Community Health Centers nationwide that continue to deliver commited, patient-centered care to 52 million patients at over 17,000 locations across the country.
Kyu Rhee, National Association of Community Health Centers President and CEOWe are here representing our nation’s largest primary care system with a workforce that serves 24/7, 365 days a year, to make sure those 52 million patients we serve are healthy or getting healthier. Together we are building innovative care where it matters most.
ICHS Bellevue Medical & Dental Clinic staff held a staff celebration during National Health Center Week on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The lunches were kindly donated by generous sponsors.
This year’s theme celebrates how health centers "use creativity and commitment to advance innovative solutions that meet patients where they are and improve primary care delivery, access, and outcomes nationwide."
ICHS organized resource fairs at ICHS’ International District, Bellevue, Holly Park, SOUND Auburn, and Shoreline clinics the week of August 3 showcasing ICHS' digital health apps and tools that patients can use to manage their own care.
The week also brought in ICHS community partners. Health partners shared Apple Health enrollment resources and greeted patients in person in clinic. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center hosted a massive inflatable 'pop-up' colon at ICHS’ International District clinic courtyard. Set up by the Population Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Program team, it colorfully illustrated to patients and curious passersby understand what a "polyp" is, what colon cancer can look and feel like, and helpful information on safe cancer screening options.
Over ten feet tall, the inflatable colon looms behind ICHS Community Access and Fred Hutchinson Center staff at ICHS' International District Medical & Dental Clinic on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
The inflatable educational colon showed what polyps or colon cancer growths look like inside of our bodies.
The weeks festivities also included staff appreciation lunches and patient appreciation events at ICHS’ full-service clinics in the International District, Holly Park, Bellevue, and Shoreline and ICHS’ Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center. Check out highlights of the events on ICHS’ facebook page.
Thank you to our Sponsors