MPCA News

Montana Health Care Leader Elected Board Chair of NACHC

Lil Anderson is new Chair-Elect of the National Association of Community Health Centers

Montana health care leader Lil Anderson, CEO of Deering Community Health Center in Billings, MT, was installed as Chair Elect of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) the 37th Annual Convention and Community Health Institute in Chicago, IL. Anderson has over 30 years of experience in community health programs on the national and state level and has distinguished herself as an outspoken advocate on behalf of the medically underserved. She has also served on task forces and committees appointed by several Montana governors to focus on improving health care through out the state.

“Community Health Centers are the only significant advocates for equal access to high quality health care on behalf of the poor, the geographically isolated, the new immigrants, and the homeless; anyone who has temporary or ongoing difficulty in accessing the American Dream,” said Ms. Anderson.  “Each Community Health Center is unique … but all share a common mission of assurance to access for all to the entire range of health providers and services within their communities.”

Anderson also served on the Department of Health and Human Services task force created to implement the President’s initiative to expand health centers and double the number of patients served.  She has met with several Members of Congress on NACHC’s behalf in addition to serving on a number of NACHC committees.

Community Health Centers are the nation’s health safety net.  Currently, over 1,000 community, migrant, and homeless health centers serve 15 million people in more than 5,000 communities in every state and territory. They are local, non-profit, community-directed and federally funded, and they care for millions of Americans who lack insurance or other care.  They never turn anyone away, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

For more information about NACHC or the mission and work of health centers visit www.nachc.com. Article adapted from NACHC newsrelease.

Montana Primary Care Association 1805 Euclid Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-2750 Fax: (406) 449-2460