Health center identity as an
independent, community-based
organization. Participants described
health centers’ historical
identity as independent and highly
responsive to community needs.
To avoid dependence on other
institutions and maximize patient
choices, health centers maintained
relationships with multiple
hospital systems. One consortium
executive noted that the culture
of independence hampered
efforts to improve care coordination
among its own members.
Tightened networks with a safety
net hospital would threaten
health centers’ autonomy and
their perceived ability to prioritize
the needs of their respective
communities.