Bi-Lines
2007 Community Health Center Week
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Governor's Proclamation read on State House lawn
Proclaims Community Health Center Week in New Hampshire
Paul Spiess reads Governor's Proclamation on NH State House lawn
Paul Spiess, Policy Advisor, New Hampshire Governor's Office, and Policy Team Chair for the Citizens' Health Initiative, is joined by Bi-State staff, Community Health Center members, representatives from the National Association of Community Health Centers and local New Hampshire business leaders on the State House lawn for the reading of the Governor's Proclamation.
Martin Gross
Martin Gross, Community Health Center Advisory Committee chair, addresses those gathered at the State House Lawn.
Richard Silverberg and Charlton MacVeagh, Jr.
Richard Silverberg, executive director, Health First Family Care Center, and Charlton MacVeagh, Jr., CHC Advisory Committee, in conversation at the State House event.


Paul Spiess discusses Community Health Centers with Patricia McMurry, executive director of White Mountains Community Health Center.
Elected officials and government workers, businessmen and women, and Community Health Center leadership and staff, joined with Bi-State to honor the impact Community Health Centers have on thousands of NH residents at an event held August 9, 2007 on the State House lawn. A common theme pervaded both the speeches and general conversations: workforce.
The challenges of the primary care workforce shortage impact all providers — public and private. There are significant capacity issues in both Community Health Centers and private physician offices throughout the state.


Workforce shortages will be our biggest problem in the year to come. We cannot solve it alone.
The problem is national in nature, competitive by region and discipline, and projected to continue. Between January and August of 2007, Bi-State’s Recruitment Center noted an increase of more than 20 vacancies for medical professionals. As of August 9, the Recruitment Center had 94 vacancies posted. Furthermore, it is estimated that at least the same number are posted with other major health care providers in the state.
Without an adequate supply of physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists and other primary care providers, appointments and program capacity are not available to provide the care needed. Already some health centers and clinics are unable to take new patients for extended periods of time. Having insurance does not ensure access to a medical home, and therefore in some New Hampshire communities even residents with health insurance are joining the ranks of medically underserved.
Click here for the text of Governor Lynch's Proclamation
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