Chicago, IL – August 6, 2025 – OAHS Family Health Center proudly joined the nationwide celebration of National Community Health Center Week by hosting a special Outreach and Enrollment event at its headquarters, located at 6301 N. Western Avenue on the corner of Western Avenue and Rosemont Street in Chicago. This year marks 60 years of strengthening the nation’s health through the community health center movement, and OAHS Family Health Center reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone of accessible and affordable healthcare in the community.
Hundreds of local residents attended the event, where they learned about the wide range of comprehensive health services provided by community health centers. Guests also had the opportunity to engage directly with leaders and healthcare advocates, gaining critical information about healthcare access and coverage.
Among the distinguished attendees were Tina Samuel, Chief of Staff to State Representative Kevin Olickal, representatives from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), and staff from the Illinois Primary Healthcare Association (IPHCA), all of whom underscored the importance of strong partnerships in advancing public health.
“Community health centers play a vital role in our nation’s health by providing accessible, affordable, and comprehensive care to underserved populations. In recent times, many of our patients are losing insurance coverage, and it is crucial to deliver a persistent message highlighting the importance of responding to Medicaid redetermination applications in a timely manner to prevent lapses in coverage,” said Muhammad Paracha, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of AHS Family Health Center.
The event was sponsored by Sanofi, which conducted community education on the importance of clinical research trials and the critical need for diverse community representation in such studies. This initiative ensures that all populations, particularly historically underserved groups, can benefit from advances in medical research and innovation.
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For more than a decade, OAHS Family Health Center has been recognized among the top 30% of health centers nationwide for clinical quality by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). All clinic sites under OAHS are also accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), reflecting the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence in patient-centered care.
“Community Health Center Week is not only a celebration of what we have achieved but also a reminder of the work that lies ahead to close healthcare gaps and ensure healthier futures for all,” added Dr. Paracha.