These 7 cities added the most community health centers in the past two years
These 7 cities added the most community health centers in the past two years
As health care access remains a challenge for millions, community health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration served in 2023.
Seven cities stood out in 2023 and 2024 for expanding or launching new federally qualified health centers. Backed by federal grants, local partnerships, and innovative care models, these cities are leading the push for better access. This analysis, discussed by , a national health center database, highlights where investment is high.
With the Health Resources and Services Administration’s over 15,000 service sites and rising demand, these seven cities are driving real progress in health care infrastructure.
Los Angeles, California: 3 new community health centers
led the nation with three new health center projects in fall 2024.
Opening timeline
- opened in October 2024.
- broke ground in September 2024.
- began construction in October 2024.
Population impact
- Combined, the centers will serve thousands annually.
Geographic coverage
- South L.A., Skid Row, and North Hollywood.
Investment amounts
- Part of a $146 million initiative across 14 centers.
Service types added
- Wellness classes, mental health care, and substance use treatment.
Chicago, Illinois: 2 new community health centers
added two major centers in 2024 and 2025, expanding access across the South Side.
Opening timeline
- opened in April 2024.
- reopened in January 2025.
Population impact
- Together, they’ll support thousands of visits annually, .
Geographic coverage
- Bronzeville and Roseland neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side.
Investment amounts
- ; part of over $13 million invested in the Provident Hospital campus since 2020.
Service types added
- Primary care, therapy services, mental health care, and crisis response.
Houston, Texas: 2 new community health centers
kicked off two major health projects in 2024 to reach underserved communities.
Opening timeline
- launched in January 2024.
- broke ground in May 2024.
Population impact
- Mobile clinics serve unhoused residents .
The new hospital will add for Northeast Houston.
Geographic coverage
- Mobile units cover all of Harris County.
- Hospital site: 5656 Kelley Street, northeast Houston.
Investment amounts
- invested in mobile units.
dedicated to LBJ Hospital as part of a $2.9 billion expansion.
Service types added
- Mobile units offer immunizations, screenings, mental health counseling, and prenatal care.
- The hospital will provide trauma care, emergency services, and .
Phoenix, Arizona: 2 new community health centers
added two major facilities in 2024 focused on maternal care and emergency services.
Opening timeline
- launched in March 2024.
- opened in June 2024.
Population impact
- (15-44) across the metro area.
- to the new Valleywise facility, which expects .
Geographic coverage
- The mobile unit deploys throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
- Valleywise is located on E. Roosevelt Street, serving the Valley's underserved communities.
Investment amounts
- by UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona for the mobile center.
Valleywise was funded by from Proposition 480.
Service types added
- The mobile unit offers maternity care, primary health services, and clinical training for medical students.
- Valleywise includes a trauma center, burn center, hyperbaric chamber, and pediatric facilities.
New York City, New York: 2 new community health centers
Two major developments in 2025 combined health care with supportive housing in underserved neighborhoods.
Opening timeline
- construction began in March 2025.
- New York City launched the with integrated health services in March 2025.
Population impact
- Far Rockaway will deliver comprehensive care to Southeast Queens residents.
- Woodhull II provides with access to on-site care for vulnerable individuals.
Geographic coverage
- Far Rockaway targets health disparities in Southeast Queens.
- Woodhull II serves Brooklyn patients connected to NYC Health + Hospitals.
Investment amounts
- funded the Far Rockaway center.
- supported the Woodhull II housing and health initiative.
Service types added
- Far Rockaway will offer primary care, specialty services, vision, behavioral health, dental, and women's health.
- Woodhull II combines supportive housing with on-site medical and behavioral services.
Boston, Massachusetts: 1 new community health center
saw a significant expansion of its East Boston health infrastructure in 2025 through a major clinical buildout.
Opening timeline
- NeighborHealth Maverick Square expansion (Phase 1) .
Population impact
- will support thousands of new primary care patients over the next decade.
- The full project includes , with 18 completed in Phase 1.
Geographic coverage
- Located at 20 Maverick Square, East Boston.
- Serves the Greater Boston region, with direct access via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Maverick Station.
Investment amounts
- Backed by multiyear funding from NeighborHealth.
- of labor hours are dedicated to workers of color.
Service types added
- Provides team-based primary care using a patient-centered approach.
- Offers interdisciplinary services tailored for patients with complex needs.
- Expands access in response to Massachusetts’ broader health care capacity constraints.
Denver, Colorado: 1 new community health center
is expanding access to underserved neighborhoods with a new full-service health facility opening in late 2025.
Opening timeline
- is expected to open in late 2025.
Population impact
- Will serve Southeast Denver residents with no previous Denver Health access.
Combines primary and specialty care under one roof to improve convenience and continuity.
Geographic coverage
- Located at Tiffany Plaza near Hampden Avenue and Tamarac Drive.
- Will serve neighborhoods across Southeast Denver.
Investment amounts
- of a former restaurant space.
- Lease agreement signed with .
- approved by Denver voters.
Service types added
- Full-spectrum primary care and outpatient services.
- Specialty services include cardiology, orthopedics, and dermatology.
- On-site lab, radiology, and a retail pharmacy.
How cities are rethinking community health access
Altogether, these seven cities opened 13 centers.
Even with major staffing shortages and tight budgets, these cities doubled down on underserved neighborhoods and found smart ways to grow, blending federal funding, local backing, and solutions ranging from mobile vans to full-service clinics. Their progress proves that expanding care is doable, and it gives other cities a clear playbook to build on.
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