Our Story

In 2004, Benton County identified a need for additional primary care services in our area. One avenue to bring additional services was through the Community Health Center movement, standing up a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) system. Community Health Centers are an investment in local workforce, health and social services, and supports for community across medical, dental, behavioral, and social care needs.

We operate as any other health care system, seeing a mix of people with insurance that is private, along with Medicare and Medicaid.

Investing in Healthy Communities

This investment in building local jobs, health infrastructure, and meaningful physical, dental, and behavioral health care for our communities, supported in part by federal funds, was unique to this area. Local start up and ongoing investment is required and has been sustained through local government supports and revenue from a myriad of services provided.

Our Community Health Center (CHC) of Benton and Linn Counties opened three clinics in 2004. They were at Lincoln Elementary School- the Lincoln Health Center, Monroe Grade School- the Monroe Health Center, and near Oregon State in Corvallis on 27th Street- the Benton Health Center. In 2006, we added a service location at the Children’s Farm Home. In 2008, we partnered with Linn County, also seeking additional resources for primary care for the community, in Lebanon, as the East Linn Health Center. In 2010, we began a partnership with the Corvallis Boys and Girls Club to operate the Johnson Dental Clinic inside the Club for pregnant people and children. 2015 saw rural expansion with the Sweet Home Health Center and Alsea Health Centers.

In 2008 we did a massive overhaul of our 27th Street, Benton Health Center location and we built a brand new clinic at our first site, the Lincoln Health Center when the new school was constructed. We continue to invest in our communities and look to maintain and upgrade our locations as opportunities are available

Local and Federal Partnerships

As a partner with the local Benton County government structure, we are categorized as a public-entity FQHC. This relationship brings close connection with the local public health system and resources, and brings unique perspective in addressing the wider needs of Benton County residents across services like recreation, roads, natural areas, and the legal system- all part of the Benton County local government services to residents.

Federal funds from the Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA) and the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) support community health centers across the country to provide care to those who might now have access to care because of geographic, cultural, linguistic, or financial situations. As a result of our federal support (12% of our budget), we provide care, regardless of ability to pay, to those who need our services.