It's an effort to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of health centers across the country. This week is recognized as National Health Center Week, and locally, the Syracuse Community Health Center is hosting a number of events. Our Brad Vivacqua reports.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Community Health Center serves roughly 80,000 patients each year with everything from eye care to HIV counseling services. National Health Center Week is a way to highlight the important services that community health centers provide all year long.

Officials say their goal is to help prevent the spread of illness and diseases and to limit hospital and emergency room visits. This, in turn, helps prevent high health care costs.

This week, people are encouraged to familiarize themselves with health care centers in their area and take advantage of many services out there.

Events planned for today include an Immunization Awareness Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., in which people can stop by to learn information and win small prizes. Officials say it's all about informing the community about what's available to them.

"You can count on community health centers. We've been expanding access to care for over forty years. There is most likely a health care center in your community and our primary mission is to provide care for those who can't otherwise provide care for themselves," said Sheri Dozier-Owens, Syracuse Community Health Center Corp. Officer.

The Syracuse Community Health Center is located at 819 South Salina Street, but there are about 15 delivery sites.

For more information about the Syracuse Community Health Center or National Health Center Week, visit www.schcny.com and www.healthcenterweek.org.