Numerous events around the country are planned as part of National Health Center Week (NHCW). According to a press release, the national campaign runs Aug. 13-19 with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers over the course of more than five decades.

“Local health centers are hosting events to celebrate this occasion,” officials said in the release. “The Health Center for Women and Families (HCWF) will have a booth at the Farmville Farmer’s Market from 9-11 a.m. on Aug 12.”

The event will be held at the Farmville Community Marketplace, located at 213 North St. in Farmville. Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS) and Central Virginia Community Health Center (CVCHC) will host the first Annual Rod Manifold 5K and Track Dedication, as well as a community yard sale.

“Both events will be held on Aug. 19 at the health center, 25892 N. James Madison Highway, New Canton,” officials said in the release. “The yard sale will be held from 7-11 a.m. The 5K will be held at 8 a.m.”

The release cited late onsite registration for the race will be from 7-7:45 a.m.

“There is a $10 donation for registration,” officials said in the release. “Prizes will be awarded based on age and gender categories.”

Those interested in the race are directed to call (434) 581-4073 ext. 10601.

“The yard sale will be held from 7-11 a.m.,” officials said in the release. “Table spaces for the yard sale can be rented for a small fee, and proceeds from those fees will benefit the Central Virginia Community Health Center Pharmacy Fund and the Reach Out and Read Fund.” Those interested in a yard sale space are directed to call (434) 581-4073 ext. 10710.

According to the release, health centers not only prevent illness and foster wellness in the most challenging populations; they produce innovative solutions to the most pressing healthcare issues in their communities.

“They reach beyond the walls of conventional medicine to address the factors that may cause sickness, such as lack of nutrition, mental illness, homelessness and opioid addiction,” officials said in the release. “Because of their long record of success in innovation, managing health care costs and reducing chronic disease, health centers have a proud tradition of bipartisan support in Congress.”

CVHS operates 16 non-profit community health centers and a fitness center in the state and is Virginia’s oldest community health center. Services vary by location and include medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, prenatal care, x-ray, mammography and case management. Along with other health care safety net providers, the health center plays a key role in the community’s health. CVHS locations take most insurance plans and offer an income-based discount for services for low-income families.

To learn more about NHCW and the listing of events please visit: www.healthcenterweek.org.