The second week of August each year is dedicated to recognizing the service and contributions of community, migrant, homeless and public housing health centers in providing access to affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to medically vulnerable and underserved people in the U.S. "America's Health Centers: Home of America's Health Care Heroes" is the theme for National Health Center Week 2008. It recognizes the vital role of health center providers in achieving the success of the health center mission. From primary care physicians, to behavioral health specialists, to nurses and pharmacists, nearly 40,000 health care professionals serve on the front lines each day in health centers. This year's Health Center Week also sets aside two days to focus on special populations who are often left outside of the mainstream health care system. Health Care for the Homeless Day will be observed on Wednesday, August 13, and the first ever Farmworker Health Day will be observed on Thursday, August 14, 2008.

Illinois' Governor Proclaims August 10-16, 2008, as National Health Center Week in Illinois