HARRISONBURG VA: (Rocktown Now) – Healthy Community Health Center (HCHC) is working to dispel common misconceptions about community health centers while continuing to expand access to affordable health care across the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County region.

Natalie Bass, executive director of HCHC, said many residents are unfamiliar with the organization’s mission and services, often assuming the center serves only uninsured patients or those enrolled in Medicaid.

“Our mission is to provide health care that is affordable and accessible to everyone in our community,” Bass said. “While we do offer a sliding-scale fee program for those who qualify based on household income and family size, we welcome anyone and everyone to our health center.”

A nonprofit community health center, HCHC provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, prenatal care, pediatrics, family medicine, dental services, behavioral health counseling, and an on-site pharmacy. Bass noted that insured patients play an important role in supporting the organization’s long-term sustainability.

“Having patients with insurance helps us continue to operate and remain available for everyone in the community,” she said.

According to Bass, HCHC served more than 14,000 patients during 2025, with demand for services continuing to increase annually.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Bass said one of the most persistent misunderstandings is that the organization is fully funded by the federal government.

“We do receive a federal grant as a community health center, but it accounts for only about 10 percent of our budget,” she explained. “The rest of the funding comes from program revenue generated through the services we provide, including patient care and our pharmacy.”

As a nonprofit organization, HCHC relies on a combination of patient revenue, community support, and grant funding to maintain operations and provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

Growing From a Small Clinic to a Regional Resource

HCHC traces its origins to a partnership between James Madison University and what was then Rockingham Memorial Hospital. The initiative began in 2008 after the Harrisonburg area was identified as medically underserved, leaving many residents with limited access to routine care and forcing some to rely on emergency rooms for basic health needs.

The organization began as a small clinic near Valley Mall and has since expanded significantly. Today, its largest facility, HCHC Stoneport, is located on Port Republic Road and houses all of the center’s major services. Additional clinic locations operate in downtown Harrisonburg, the Park View area, and Elkton.

Bass emphasized that access to care remains one of HCHC’s strengths.

“It can be difficult to establish care with a new primary care provider, but we often can get patients in within a couple of weeks,” she said. “For behavioral health counseling, we can frequently schedule appointments within a day or two.”

She also noted that patients do not need to see an HCHC primary care provider to access the center’s dental or behavioral health services, and no referral is required.

A Broader Community Impact

While the center’s primary focus is patient care, Bass said HCHC’s work has broader implications for the region’s economic and social well-being.

“When people are healthy, adults can continue working and supporting their families, and children can attend school and receive the care they need,” she said. “Those benefits extend far beyond the individual patient.”

Approximately 75 percent of HCHC’s patients live within Harrisonburg’s two ZIP codes or the Elkton ZIP code, meaning the organization serves local residents who are neighbors, coworkers, and classmates throughout the community.

Community Care Day Planned for Saturday

To celebrate National Health Center Week, HCHC will host its annual Community Care Day on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Stoneport location.

Formerly known as Children’s Health Day, the event has expanded its focus to include resources and activities for adults as well as children.

The free community event will feature:

  • Backpack and school supply giveaways
  • Face painting and family-friendly games
  • Educational exhibits from community partners
  • Health and wellness resources
  • Blood pressure screenings
  • Diabetes screenings provided with support from Sentara RMH
  • Children’s dental education activities
  • Information about food insecurity resources
  • Free car seat safety checks conducted in partnership with the local fire department

Bass said the event is intended to connect residents with valuable community resources while celebrating the contributions of community health centers.

Community Support Remains Critical

As a nonprofit organization, HCHC continues to depend on community partnerships, sponsorships, donations, and volunteer support.

“We are constantly replacing equipment, maintaining facilities, and meeting the growing needs of our patients,” Bass said. “Right now, we are facing the need to replace several HVAC units, which are significant expenses.”

She encouraged local businesses and community members interested in supporting the organization’s mission to reach out regarding donations, sponsorship opportunities, or other forms of assistance.

Community Care Day will take place at the HCHC Stoneport campus on Port Republic Road in Harrisonburg. Residents traveling along the corridor can easily spot the facility near the ongoing construction activity on the eastern side of the city.

For more information about HCHC services or Community Care Day, residents can contact the health center directly to schedule appointments or learn about available programs.