Hays, KS – First Care Clinic, Inc. is proud to announce that it has been recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) with multiple 2026 Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges, highlighting the organization's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to the communities it serves.
The annual HRSA Community Health Quality Recognition program honors health centers across the nation that demonstrate exceptional performance in improving access to quality healthcare, advancing health outcomes, and delivering patient-centered services.
First Care Clinic is proud to be one of only two Kansas health centers to be awarded the Health Center Quality Leader – Gold Badge. This badge is awarded to health centers that rank among the top 10% of all centers nationwide in overall clinical quality performance. This recognition reflects excellence across a broad range of care measures, from chronic disease management to preventive services, and demonstrates a deep commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Earning the Gold Badge showcases First Care Clinic’s dedication to achieving outstanding outcomes and setting a standard of excellence in the community.
In 2026, First Care Clinic also received the following HRSA Quality Recognition badges:
• National Quality Leader – Cancer Screening
• National Quality Leader - Diabetes
• National Quality Leader – Heart Health
• Advancing Health Information Technology
• Improving Health Care Access
• Preventative Health
These recognitions reflect the dedication of First Care Clinic's providers, pharmacists, nurses, and support staff who work each day to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care to patients across northwest Kansas.
“The recognition we receive from HRSA confirms what our patients, our community and our staff already know – at First Care Clinic, your health comes first! Our team takes great pride in providing excellent care” stated First Care Clinic CEO, Eric Flax, “First Care Clinic has been serving the community for nearly 20 years. We have added staff, and locations, to address the unmet needs of our community and region. Our patients know that when they see a provider in our clinic, they will receive the highest quality care around!”
In 2025, First Care Clinic served 9,959 patients, continuing its mission to improve access to affordable, high-quality healthcare throughout the region.
First Care Clinic remains committed to building healthier communities by expanding access to innovative, integrated healthcare services and continuously improving the quality of care for every patient.
ABOUT FIRST CARE CLINIC, INC.
First Care Clinic is a Federally Qualified Health Center, with over ninety employees across their three locations in Hays, providing services for people of all ages, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They provide family medicine, express care, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, and family dentistry services.
First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield. A sliding fee scale discount is also available to those who qualify. Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990.
“The region’s premier medical home, dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.”
For more information contact Danielle Windholz, Director of Operations, at First Care Clinic (785-621-4990).