This article provides insights into the history of community health centers (CHCs) and the role that they play in providing care to the poor. The mission of the CHC has always been to provide comprehensive primary care services to community residents regardless of their ability to pay. Health centers served an estimated 7 million people in 1993. In the near future, centers will be faced with new challenges. For example, the nationwide momentum toward managed care Is defining new areas of growth for health centers, including new forms of practice management and contractual arrangements with other providers.