Rhode Island's eight community health centers serve more than 200,000 residents, one in every five Rhode Islanders. These centers are a cornerstone of our state's health care system, delivering essential services to those who need them most.

The Comprehensive Community Action Program Health Center, founded in 1972 with its original location in Cranston, has expanded to include sites in Coventry and Warwick. Today, CCAP cares for about 21,000 patients annually, 60% covered by Medicaid.

Community health centers like CCAP are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking primary-care, dental and behavioral-health services. They are a lifeline for low-income families, the uninsured and others facing barriers to care. But these centers are now facing a critical financial crisis that threatens their ability to continue serving our communities.

The threat to our community health centers doesn't just come from potential Medicaid cuts at the federal level. A funding shortfall in state Medicaid reimbursement rates and cuts to the 340B program, which provides discounted medications for low-income patients, has placed immense strain on our health centers.

Legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly that addresses both Medicaid reimbursement (H6046/S0896) and the 340B program (H5634/S0114). The Medicaid rate adjustment would require the state's $10-million commitment to stabilize this vital health care system. At the same time, the 340B fix would not cost taxpayers anything, as expenses would be borne by the drug manufacturers.

We cannot afford to let another 200,000 Rhode Islanders lose their access to primary care.

I call upon every member of our community to act now to save Rhode Island's community health centers. Call or write your legislators today, or visit SaveOurHealthCenters.org to join the movement. By doing so, you will be helping to keep health care accessible to all Rhode Islanders.

Chris Mansfield is president and CEO of Comprehensive Community Action Program Health Centers.