National Health Center Week, observed from August 4-10, 2024, spotlights the essential role community health centers (CHCs) play in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to underserved populations across the United States. In Idaho, 454,544 people, or 25.9% of the state’s population, live in rural areas and rely on rural healthcare clinics, critical access hospitals, or FQHCs for care.
Smith + Malek is built on the foundation of changing the world for the better for our clients and the communities they live in. We believe that accessible healthcare is crucial for community well-being, and we proudly support community healthcare through our expanding healthcare practice area.
Our co-founder, Luke Malek, has witnessed the transformative power of community healthcare firsthand. Inspired by his mother, a community health physician who helped establish Northern Idaho’s first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Luke’s early legal career included in-house work for this center. While he navigated federal compliance and drafted contracts for physician groups, he also witnessed local residents receiving high-quality care close to home. Patients didn’t have to drive to Boise or Spokane for this level of care; they could attend their appointment, complete labs or x-rays, and get home in time for dinner.
When Smith + Malek launched in 2015, this FQHC was one of our firm’s first clients. We’ve since assisted in expanding its services, growing it into a $45 million organization with nearly 400 employees. Serving 23,000 patients, it provides comprehensive health services, from primary care to dentistry to behavioral health.
Our healthcare practice area has scaled up, as well. Today, our attorneys and staff members help support CHCs and FQHCs across six states. That work is some of the most deeply meaningful and rewarding; helping a community health center open an in-house pharmacy, or establishing a path to providing adolescents with mental healthcare in their own community are examples of how we fulfill our mission to change the world for the better.
Every day, we strive to support these vital institutions, knowing that their success translates to healthier, more resilient communities. At Smith + Malek, we are committed to being a trusted partner in this journey, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all.