30 Years of Empowering Community Health Centers:
Honoring our past,Celebrating our future.
Celebrating Our Future
This strategic plan carves out a new vision for the organization built on collaboration with our members rooted in the health center mission. We are proud of the work that community health centers do each day to improve the health and well-being of Californians. Our strategic plan builds on this foundation by providing a roadmap for us to continue to be a strong voice for our members and the patients they serve.
In addition to continuing development of programs and alternative payment models, we are actively engaging with state and federal regulators to advance a regulatory framework that reflects the importance of community health centers (CHCs) to California’s healthcare system and we are embarking on a historic effort to secure funding that ensures the viability and success of the CHC model of care and addresses the historic underfunding of CHCs and safety net programs.
We are hard at work on developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the California communities that CHCs serve through programs, services, and advocacy focused on establishing CHCs as employers of choice and economic drivers.
With a new, bold advocacy brand and civic engagement team, we are expanding and leveraging our advocacy resources to put CHCs and their patients at the center of policy decisions that impact our communities at the local, state, and federal levels.
To strengthen the impact and fiscal health of the association, we continue to procure and optimize resources, effectively leverage vital partnerships, and develop equitable and inclusive member engagement systems.
Honoring Our Past
2023
CPCA creates new Civic Engagement and Community Affairs Department to build internal capacity for statewide civic engagement with funding from The California Endowment.
CPCA launches the Medi-Cal Health Navigator Project with over 100 CHCs and 10 consortia being funded through the program.
CPCA and our members raise millions of dollars to fight for improved funding. CPCA is a founding member of a coalition to generate billions of dollars for Medi-Cal through a ballot initiative filed for 2024.
DHCS launches APM
CaliforniaHealth+Advocates is rebranded to CPCA Advocates to more closely align with CPCA
During National Health Center Week
CPCA Advocates engages with the Governor, Legislature, and stakeholders to make sure SB 525, the Minimum Wage Law, provides a manageable path for health centers.
CPCA Advocates, as part of the MCO tax budget negotiations, secure $100 million in ongoing funding to double the 340B supplemental payment pool.
Through the Clinic Workforce Stabilization & Retention Payment Program, DHCS issues $56 million in one-time payments to 259 community health centers for more than 56,000 eligible employees.
2022
2021
Reorganizing to bring a membership component to its Operations Department and adding legal staff members to its Health Center Operations Department.
Cohort 1 of the Leadership Equity Program graduates.
Expanding access to telehealth and telephonic visits for Medi-Cal recipients post-pandemic.
Allowing health centers to reimburse for services provided by ACSWs and AMFTs under clinical supervision.
Securing $75 million for CHCs, providing retention bonuses for non-supervisorial CHC employees, and supporting postgraduate NP/PA training programs.
CPCA, in partnership with consortia, secures $13 million for a five-year commitment from The California Endowment
DHCS launches the enhanced care management benefit on January 1, 2022.
CPCA advocates for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations in the state.
Making it a program under its umbrella of programs.
Alleviating physician resident licensing concerns to decrease the shortages in the physician workforce and increase access to care.
Secures an extension of COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2022.
Helps secure funding to support full-scope Medi-Cal to adults aged 50 and older, regardless of immigration status.
To empower CHCs to attract, retain, and advance community-minded leaders who reflect the diversity of communities across California.
Building off of its “Boots on the Ground” work done at the beginning of the state’s COVID-19 PHE, CPCA launches its Ambassador Program to engage members proactively.
State of California launches the CalAim program focusing on integrated health models through Medi-Cal.
APM regains momentum with support from the California Health Care Foundation and the State of California.
Kaiser Permanente launches its PHM Initiative in partnership with the Department of Health Care Services, CPCA, regional consortia and CHCs throughout California.
2020
2019
In March, a Public Health Emergency Order is issued by the state of California in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates secures $105 million for non-hospital clinic supplemental payments to address the Medi-CalRx transition and help fill the gap for lost 340B payments.
CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates ensures the successful implementation of AB 1494 (Aguiar-Curry, 2019) allowing CHCs to provide and bill for video and audio telehealth visits through the end of the year.
Highlighting the impact telehealth has on CHCs, the delivery of healthcare, and the access for patients during the pandemic, as well as the need for regulatory flexibility to meet the needs of our communities and patients.
Allowing Nurse Practitioners to work without physician supervision.
CPCA works with Capitol Impact Partners, the California Endowment and United Heath Group to create a COVID-19 Response Loan Fund for CHCs.
CPCA serves as the Health Sector lead under California Complete Count to ensure that CHCs are well equipped to support an accurate 2020 Census Count.
CPCA receives grant funding to increase Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screenings at CHCs throughout the state.
CPCA works with AltaMed Health Services to spread the My Vote. My Health. civic engagement program ahead of the 2020 election with funding from The California Endowment.
CPCA launches the Health Professions Training & Education Initiative alongside HRSA to promote training of healthcare professionals in CHCs.
Were instrumental in requiring DHCS to establish a stakeholder process, including six appointed CHCs, to help address concerns related to the Medi-Cal pharmacy transition and its impacts to providers and consumers.
Allowing health centers to provide, and reimburse for, services provided in innovative matters in response to declared emergencies.
Works with immigration partners and meets with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to fight the Trump Public Charge rule.
CPCA launches statewide membership listening sessions to hear directly from CHCs about issues most important to them.
2018 -2013
CPCA co-leads the National Health Center Immigration Workgroup.
Current State of California Health Center Residency Programs, to expand the existing knowledge set around the current state of residency programs in California health centers.
CPCA’s public education campaign to promote and educate Californians on the value of health centers reaches 10 million viewers.
CPCA creates the Community Health Center Residency Road Map to offer training and resources to CHCs on the development of physician residency programs and partnerships.
2017
CPCA adopts a three-year strategic plan that includes 4 Bold Steps: Be a leader in advocating for health access and coverage; Cultivate a robust community health center workforce; Transform the health system; and promote the value of community health centers.
CPCA coordinates with RAC to defend the ACA in multiple attempts to repeal the law, as well as proactively fixing the funding cliff affecting health centers.
CPCA partners with the California Association of Nonprofits and others to build opposition to Assembly Bill 1250, ultimately defeating this serious threat to nonprofit-government contracting.
CPCA works with NACHC to roll out Phase One of a pilot program for the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE).
CPCA develops materials that can help health centers prepare themselves and patients for an encounter with immigration enforcement, including Sample Policies and Procedures, Know Your Rights handouts, and Immigration Patient FAQs.
CPCA creates a statewide Workforce Policy Coalition made up of over 60 partners across California dedicated to addressing health care workforce issues through innovative and strategic policy solutions.
2016
CPCA Board of Directors authorizes the creation of a new 501(c)(4) organization called CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates.
CaliforniaHealth+ Advocates partnered with the California Medical Association and the California Academy of Family Physicians to secure an investment of $100 million for primary care workforce programs in California.
Sponsored AB 1863 (Wood) increasing access to behavioral health care by permitting MFT visits at FQHCs and RHCs to be reimbursed on par with other behavioral health providers.
Sponsored AB 2048 (Gray) strengthening the healthcare provider pipeline.
Sponsored AB 2053 (Gonzalez) providing licensed health centers the option to add an additional facility to an existing license so long as the new facility is maintained and operated by the same health center and is located within one half mile of the parent facility.
CPCA commissions and releases the Horizon 2030 Report to examine emerging issues, challenges, and opportunities to build primary care workforce capacity in the state of California.
2015
Sponsored SB 147 (Hernandez) authorizing a voluntary three-year alternative payment methodology (APM) pilot for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in California.
CPCA secures $20 million for provider PCHH training in the California State Innovation Model grant.
CPCA launches the Capitation Payment Preparedness Program (CP3) to ensure demonstration sites are successful participants in the APM pilot.
2014
CPCA works with Covered California to identify CaliforniaHealth+ centers with CECs in the clinic locator to support California citizens looking for assistance in enrolling in coverage.
CPCA and State move forward with health plans on advancing payment reform in California with a pilot group of CPCA members.
TCE and CaliforniaHealth+ launch the Get Covered, Get Care campaign with billboards throughout the Central Valley and in the city of Los Angeles.
2013
CPCA advocacy efforts influence the State‘s design of its State Innovation Model (SIM) grant to include PCHH resources for providers.
CPCA takes over as fiscal agent for CalHIPSO to ensure that California CHCs continue in reaching Meaningful Use.
CPCA creates a CaliforniaHealth+ website to highlight members on the brand and develop a clinic locator tool to help Californians find the CaliforniaHealth+ center closest to them.
CPCA and The California Endowment form a partnership to raise awareness about health care reform coverage and care options at community clinics and health centers. TCE utilizes the CaliforniaHealth+ locator tool to help Californians find a place to Get Covered and Get Care.
CPCA forges a new partnership with the Western Clinicians Network (WCN), providing administrative support to the organization as it transitions into a volunteer organization.
CPCA partners with Richard Heath & Associates and Covered California to develop a Certified Enrollment Counselor (CEC) training program specifically for CECs at CHCs. CPCA trains 30 master trainers who go on to train more than 1,200 CECs statewide.
• Advocated for SB 1x (Hernandez) providing Medi-Cal benefits for the newly eligible, including enrollment of newly eligible Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) in the Health Benefit Exchange but preserving their right to go out of network for Medi-Cal benefits not provided by their QHP.
Sponsored SCR 63 (Hernandez) proclaiming by a unanimous bipartisan vote of the legislature that the week of August 11-17 is National Health Center Week.
DHCS is authorized to establish a PCMH pilot program drawing down Section 2703 funds through the ACA.
2012 - 2007
2012
The Supreme Court rules to uphold the Affordable Care Act.
CPCA successfully defeats Governor Brown’s proposal to eliminate PPS and cut FQHC provider reimbursements by 10 percent; leads to conversations with the state around payment reform.
CPCA and NCQA partner to support members in becoming PCMH-recognized..
CPCA’s Board votes to approve the CaliforniaHealth+ branding campaign. Seventeen CPCA-member organizations join the brand as part of a pilot program.
2011
Sponsored AB 969 (Atkins) prohibiting consideration of the donation of, or the granting of discounts for, clinical laboratory tests or examinations or laboratory services to a FQHC for the purpose of serving its uninsured patients, as a basis for the reduction of Medi-Cal payments below that reimbursement rate.
2010
President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
California’s Low Income Health Program was created.
CPCA adopts a three-year strategic plan that includes 3 Bold Steps: Health Delivery System Transformation, Patient-Centered Health Home (PCHH), and Branding.
With CPCA support, CalHIPSO is formed and receives $34 million in HITECH funds.
2009
Sponsored SB 442 (Ducheny) allowing clinic corporations, on behalf of an eligible primary care clinic, to submit an affiliate clinic application, as specified, to license a primary care clinic or a mobile health care unit as an affiliate clinic.
Secured funding from CHCF for the Accelerating Quality Improvement through Collaboration project.
CPCA created the California Safety Net Coalition to have a unified voice on HIE issues.
2008
Sponsored SB 260 (Steinberg) allowing for same day visits for behavioral health services. Vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger.
Due to CPCA’s advocacy efforts, EHR implementation becomes a triggering event for increased reimbursement at FQHCs.
2007
Sponsored SB 238 (Aanestad) revising the definition of a visit to include face-to-face encounters with dental hygienists and setting forth applicable rate and billing requirements for clinics providing these services.
Co-sponsored SB 564 (Ridley Thomas) requiring the State Department of Public Health to establish a grant program to provide technical assistance and funding for the expansion, renovation, and retrofitting of existing school health centers, and the development of new school health centers, in accordance with specified procedures.
2006 - 2001
2006
Supported and secured CHC involvement in the Tobacco Tax Initiative.
2005
Co-sponsored SB 299 (Chesbro) permitting dentists licensed in other states to practice dentistry in California provided they spend their first two years working at a CHC.
Sponsored SB 131(Chesbro) extending the time for filing for scope of service rate change requests from 90 days to 150 days and authorizing an optional fee-for-service reimbursement carve out for inpatient obstetrical and cardiology services.
2004
Sponsored AB 2307 (Richman) streamlining the enrollment of primary care clinics as providers in California’s health programs.
Sponsored AB 2390 (Reyes) giving primary care clinics the ability to own and operate mobile dental vans and providing dental services.
2013
Sponsored AB 373 (Chu) expanding patient choice of culturally and linguistically competent providers and clarifying the law to provide for the assignment of Healthy Families enrollees to licensed primary care health centers.
Sponsored SB 36 (Chesbro) requiring the state to fully and fairly implement PPS for California FQHCs and RHCs, including supplemental wrap payments and annual MEI adjustments.
Sponsored SB 937 (Ducheny) clarifying and streamlining the licensure process for primary care clinic sites.
2002
Co-sponsored AB 982 (Firebaugh) establishing the California Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program of 2002.
Sponsored AB 2674 (Chu) deleting a state law determined to violate federal law and policy, which required FQHCs and RHCs to waive their right to either cost-based reimbursement or a prospective payment rate if they participated in a managed care risk contract.
2001
CPCA becomes the lead PCA for Region IX and X Health Disparities Collaborative, a multi-year project to improve care and outcomes for chronic diseases.
2000 - 1994
2000
President Clinton signs legislation creating the Prospective Payment System (PPS) for FQHCs.
Sponsored AB 2875 (Cedillo) Cedillo-Alarcon Community Clinic Investment Act of 2000: $50 million allocated to the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) for disbursal to CHCs, through a grant process, for infrastructure.
Cástulo de la Rocha, President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services Corporation, becomes the first Region IX representative on the National Association of Community Health Centers’ (NACHC) Board of Directors.
1999
CPCA creates Blueprint for Action influencing funders to invest in CHCs.
CPCA celebrates its five-year anniversary at its Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
Developed and launched a PSA and toll-free number to increase referrals to CHCs.
Partnered with Tides Foundation to distribute funds for MIS enhancements to CHCs statewide.
Launched the $5 million Information Systems Loan Program and approved approximately $2.1 million in loans to finance CHC MIS upgrades.
Awarded $5.5 million from TCE to expand the Loan Program to add emergency loan funding.
Established CPCA Ventures to administer loan and grant programs to CHCs.
Sponsored SB 584 (Chesbro) establishing a prospective payments system for grants to clinics serving seasonal agricultural and migratory workers and rural areas.
Sponsored AB 1107 (Cedillo) reauthorizing the provision of prenatal care to undocumented women.
1998
CPCA received $7.5 million in funding from The California Endowment (TCE) for core support and to create the Information Systems Loan Program (ISLP) for CHCs.
CPCA hosts its first Advocacy Day!
Sponsored SB 1194 (Rosenthal) creating a methodology of per visit payment for CHCs.
Sponsored AB 194 (Thompson) revising the formula for allocating funding to primary care clinics under the Expanded Access to Primary Care (EAPC) program.
CPCA plays a major role in restoring $3.6 million in the budget for the Expanded Access to Primary Care (EAPC) Program.
CPCA works with health plans to secure contracts for all interested health centers in the Healthy Families Program contracting with managed care plans.
1997
CPCA receives funding from the Bureau of Primary Health Care.
Congress launches a major expansion of children’s health coverage by creating the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) which creates the Healthy Families Program in California.
Marianne Bennett steps down as CEO.
CPCA hosts the first Annual Conference in Burbank.
Carmela Castellano-Garcia, Esq., becomes CEO of CPCA.
1996
Health Center Consolidation Act brings together community, migrant, homeless, and public housing primary health care programs under one authority.
CPCA hires first policy director, Elizabeth Saviano.
1995
CPCA elects Board of Directors; Sophie Wong becomes CPCA’s first Board President.
CPCA submits an application to become the state’s sole federally supported primary care association.
CPCA starts regular meetings with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to voice concerns with Medi-Cal managed care transition and other policy issues.
Marianne Bennett becomes CPCA’s first CEO.
1994
A group of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) come together to form CPCA based on the urgent need to form a viable, statewide organization to address emerging state and federal health reforms.
bylaws and articles of incorporation are established; Sophie Wong, Executive Director of Northeast Medical Services (NEMS) serves as CPCA’s acting director of the organization.
Health Center Impact
Growth
Number of Patients
* **All Data sources provided in the footer
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1995 - 2020
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Number of CHC Sites
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1995 - 2022
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COVID Response
Vaccinations Jan 2021-May 2022
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LifeLong Medical Care’s mobile vaccine unit for people without housing.
Percent vaccinated of racial/ethnic minority:
Reaching Patients Where They Were
Attorney General Rob Bonta receives the COVID-19 vaccine from Dr. Curtis Le with Asian Health Services
CPCA’s Virtual Training
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