NACHC: Nonmetro Areas Face 39% PCP Shortage by 2038, CHC Workforce Now 326,000+
Issue
NACHC's January 2026 workforce policy paper reveals the CHC workforce now stands at 326,000+ individuals across 17,000 locations serving 52 million people. By 2038, nonmetro areas face a projected 39% shortage of primary care physicians and 46% for dentists.
NACHC requests $2.1 billion for five years and authorization of $950 million/year. This is a key 2026 policy document on community health center workforce needs.
Key points
- CHC workforce: 326,000+ individuals across 17,000 locations serving 52 million people
- By 2038: 39% PCP shortage and 46% dentist shortage in nonmetro areas
- NACHC requests $2.1B for five years and authorization of $950M/year
Sources for this story
National Association of Community Health CentersSources for your board packet
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Part of
- Safety-net workforce and capacity shifts
Training pipelines and loan repayment
FQHC Talent. (2026, January 30). NACHC: Nonmetro Areas Face 39% PCP Shortage by 2038, CHC Workforce Now 326,000+. Source: National Association of Community Health Centers. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/nachc-workforce-39pct-shortage-2038