Community Wellness Centers Operations Guide

18 Centers in 3 Years: Comprehensive Healthcare Access

Federally Qualified Health Centers bringing integrated care to every neighborhood

Healthcare workers serving communities – bringing care to neighborhoods – Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Total Centers

$45M

Annual Cost (Year 3)

$2-3

ROI Per Dollar Invested

3 Years

Full Deployment

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provide comprehensive, integrated healthcare services to underserved communities.

Model: FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center)

Services: Primary care, dental, mental health, substance abuse treatment, social services

Payment: Sliding-scale fees based on income, accepts Medicaid/Medicare/insurance

Primary Care: Family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine
Dental Care: Preventive and restorative dentistry
Mental Health: Counseling, therapy, psychiatric services
Substance Abuse Treatment: Outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment
Social Services: Case management, benefits enrollment, housing assistance
Pharmacy: On-site or affiliated pharmacy services

$2-3 return for every dollar invested (reduced ER visits, better health outcomes)
40% reduction in emergency room utilization
Improved management of chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension)
Better mental health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations

Focus: Highest-need areas with limited healthcare access

Annual Cost: $15 million

Priority locations in underserved neighborhoods

Annual Cost: $30 million

Expand to moderate-need areas and fill geographic gaps

Annual Cost: $45 million

Complete citywide network ensuring access within 15 minutes for all residents

Primary Care:
2-4 physicians, 2-4 nurse practitioners/PAs

Dental:
2-3 dentists, 2-3 dental hygienists

Mental Health:
2-3 therapists/counselors, 1 psychiatrist

Support Staff:
Nurses, medical assistants, front desk, case managers