Alliance Medical Center is known generally as a “Community Health Center” and specifically as a “Federally Qualified Health Center.” Both of these terms have special meanings.

Community health centers began in this country in the 1960s. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 provided funding and direction to establish neighborhood clinics throughout the country, that were locally operated and staffed. The formula empowered communities, lowered infant mortality rates and reduced chronic disease. It also helped local hospitals, by keeping non-emergency care out of emergency rooms.

Congress created Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, which provided benefits to the elderly, disabled and those living in poverty. A national safety net was being created, one community at a time.

Many community health centers, including Alliance Medical Center, are also designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers. Alliance has been recognized by the federal government as being uniquely qualified to serve the needy and uninsured members of our community.

Alliance is part of a national system of health centers, but we are locally governed by a board of directors from our community, more than half of whom are patients of Alliance.

In short, we're part of the healthcare solution.  We provide excellent primary and preventive care, we help our patients manage chronic illnesses effectively, and we do it in an affordable, responsible manner. We also contribute to our community in other ways. We are the fourth-largest employer in Healdsburg, and our 100-plus valued employees support local businesses and community organizations.

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