A new data note updates previous findings on the impact of COVID-19 on community health centers. This weekly update summarizes and analyzes survey data collected by HRSA, as reported for May 1, 2020, Key findings include:
- In the week prior to the survey, 101,401 community health center patients were tested for COVID-19.
- Nationally, health centers reported that 59 percent of patients tested for COVID-19 were racial and/or ethnic minority patients.
- The percentage of health center patients who tested positive for COVID-19 was 19.7 percent, which exceeds 13.2 percent, the upper end of the range of all positive cases across public health, clinical and commercial labs (as reported to the CDC for the week ending on May 2, 2020).
- Among all health center patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 65 percent were identified as racial/ ethnic minorities. In 22 states, minority patients accounted for at least 75 percent of those who tested positive.
- Compared to their pre-COVID-19 visit volume, health centers nationally reported a 44 percent decrease in visits.
The data underscore the need for long-term, stable federal investment to sustain and expand access to care in low-income and minority communities.
The data note was produced by the Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative.
Download the data note here.
