Leadership from the Vernon Parish Community Health Center traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to participate in the Policies and Issues Forum hosted by the National Association of Community Health Centers.

According to the health center, members of its Board of Directors, along with the organization’s CEO and select staff, attended the national gathering focused on federal health policy and funding priorities for community clinics across the country.

During the visit, representatives met with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to discuss local health care needs and funding support for community clinics. The delegation included John Kennedy, Bill Cassidy, Mike Johnson, Cleo Fields and Clay Higgins.

Congressman Fields hosted the group at the United States Capitol during their visit.

Health center officials said that with the assistance of community partners and federal lawmakers, they were able to secure increased funding for their clinics. They noted that the additional support will help ensure continued access to comprehensive health care services for residents of Vernon Parish and surrounding communities.

Community health centers provide primary care, preventive services and other medical resources to patients regardless of their ability to pay, often serving as a critical safety net in rural areas.