HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Central North Alabama Health Services (CNAHS) is marking National Health Center Week by highlighting its vital role in community health. Located across Huntsville, Athens, Toney, and New Market, CNAHS served over 13,000 patients of all ages in 2023, emphasizing accessible, high-quality care regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
At the Huntsville Family Health Center, Wednesday's Patient Appreciation Day offered patients and community members an opportunity to connect with staff. Nicole Kuzmiczc, a social worker at CNAHS, explained the distinct role of health centers compared to hospitals.
"We are here to address preventive health care as well as chronic health conditions. So our goal is to take care of people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, hypertension and so we are maintaining the health so that they don't have to go to the hospital. Hospital settings are usually for individuals who are in crisis or acute care for their health conditions aren't managed and they're in crisis and need some more intensive intervention," Kuzmiczc said.
Looking ahead, CNAHS will host a Wellness Festival at the Richard Showers Center this Saturday, August 10. The event will include children's activities, food trucks, health screenings, COVID vaccines, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and local vendors.
