Health center trends, 1994-2001: What do they portend for the federal growth initiative? Expansion of community health centers under this initiative will likely bring us closer to the elimination of primary care-sensitive health disparities

The Federal Health Center Growth Initiative aims to increase community health centers' (CRCs') capacity by 60 percent from 2002 to 2006. This study investigates how primary care delivery changed and sustained its growth during 1994-2001. Findings reveal a rise in the number of patients and maintenance of their visit rate. People ages 41-64 accounted for the highest percentage of visits in 2001, and continuity of care improved. There were no disparities in visit-based preventive services delivery by race/ethnicity or insurance status. Continued growth under the initiative is likely to help reduce health disparities and improve care for the underserved.