Building the Health Center Pipeline: Starting and Enhancing Community Health Centers
NACHC’s Health Center Growth and Development (HCGD) portfolio offers the information and resources needed to plan, start, and/or successfully expand community health centers. NACHC collaborates closely with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to provide training opportunities, learning collaboratives, and one-on-one technical assistance for organizations looking to become part of HRSA’s Health Center Program.
Our information and programs offer a foundational overview of the Health Center Program, health center models, and key considerations for preparing to become a 330-funded Health Center via New Access Point (NAP) Funding or Health Center Program Look-Alike. NACHC also offers resources on conducting you health center’s community needs assessment, Health Center Program compliance, and the provision of enabling services.
Look-Alikes
A Health Center Program look-alike is an officially recognized health center by HRSA, providing inclusive, culturally sensitive, and excellent primary health care services in line with the requirements of the Health Center Program. These look-alikes operate similarly to HRSA-funded Health Center Program recipients, aiming to expand access to quality care for underserved populations and communities. They allow entities without Health Center Program funding to apply and join the Health Center Program’s network.
Discover additional information about NACHC’s backing of Look-Alike Health Centers through our training and technical assistance program
Upcoming Events
2026 CHI – Community Health ConferenceIn-Person
3730 South Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89158
We provide:
- A comprehensive introduction to the Health Center Program for emerging and developing organizations
- Guidance on pathways to becoming a 330-funded Health Center or achieving Look-Alike designation
- Training and resources that support compliance with Health Center Program requirements
- Practical tools and strategies to support sustainable growth and long-term success
- Capacity-building support for organizations at various stages of development
Preparing for HRSA’s Operational Site Visit (OSV) Webinar Series
Spring 2026 Session: March 17, 18, and 19 from 2 – 4 PM ET
Registration Closed
This webinar series features three seasoned OSV reviewers who equip you with knowledge and strategies to succeed on your OSV and create a culture of continuous improvement at your health center.
Peer Learning Events
Outreach and Enrollment Process Improvement Community of Practice*
March 2026
Registration Closed
With the passage of HR1, many changes are coming to Medicaid, from work requirements to more frequent redeterminations. Now is the time to start re-evaluating and improving your Medicaid eligibility and enrollment workflows.
Look-Alike Health Center Leadership Team Community of Practice*
Spring 2026
Registration Open
Are you a leader from a Look-Alike Health Center looking to connect with other Look-Alike leaders? If so, join us for this fun and engaging training event that occurs annual. Topic covered include Health Center program compliance, service line development, financial sustainability, outreach and marketing, and clinical quality improvement.
eLearning Module
Becoming a Look-Alike Health Center eLearning Module (Updated)*
Summer 2026
Registration Coming Soon
This eLearning Module provides an overview of the eligibility requirements and strategic considerations for organizations pursuing and applying for Look-Alike designation. This updated eLearning module reflects HRSA’s most recent Look-Alike Application instructions.
Trainings and resources noted by “*” are supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of awards totaling $6,625,000 with individually noted percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
Publications
Funded! Now What?
So You Want to Start a Health Center?
Public Centers Monograph
Becoming a Health Center Look-Alike
Resources
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