A HAPPI Day in Huntsville: HAPPI Health Welcomes HRSA Administrator and Congressman Dale Strong

Thursday, September 10, was a special day for HAPPI Health as we welcomed Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Thomas Engels and U.S. Congressman Dale Strong to Huntsville to celebrate an exciting new chapter for our organization.

Their visit followed HAPPI Health’s recent selection for a HRSA New Access Point (NAP) award, which marks our transition from a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike to a fully funded Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

HAPPI Health was selected as one of 158 health centers nationwide through HRSA’s 2026 New Access Points awards, part of a more than $102 million federal investment to expand access to comprehensive primary care across the country.

Seeing HAPPI’s Mission in Action

During their visit, Administrator Engels and Congressman Strong toured HAPPI Health’s administrative offices and Sparkman clinic, where they had the opportunity to meet members of our team and see firsthand how HAPPI is working to make high-quality healthcare more accessible throughout North Alabama.

Following the tour, HAPPI Health CEO Michelda Johnson joined Administrator Engels and Congressman Strong for a press conference to discuss what this milestone means for HAPPI Health, our patients and the communities we serve.

“HAPPI Health provides accessible, high-quality healthcare regardless of insurance status or an individual’s ability to pay,” Johnson said. “Any individual can walk inside of a HAPPI Health clinic, and regardless of their insurance status, they are going to receive quality care and wraparound services that really meet the needs of them and their families.”

Johnson also spoke about the opportunities HAPPI’s new status creates for the future.

“This allows us to transition from a look-alike as a health center to a fully funded community health center, and boy, oh boy, does it expand the access that we have for patients and for the community,” Johnson said. “This investment will strengthen our ability to expand access, to reach more patients and to really serve the most vulnerable in the community.”

A “HAPPI” Day With Strong Leadership

Administrator Engels celebrated the milestone with a fitting play on words as he recognized the collaboration that helped make the day possible.

“I get to use two words here: Strong and HAPPI,” Engels said. “This is a HAPPI day because we have strong leadership here in Huntsville.”

Engels also praised what he saw during his tour of HAPPI Health, including the organization’s use of technology and focus on the patient experience.

“Regardless of who that patient is and what that patient’s economic status is, that patient deserves good-quality care,” Engels said.

He highlighted the important role Federally Qualified Health Centers play across the country, describing them as a model for providing comprehensive, community-based care.

“It is such an honor to be here with you today, but also such an honor to be able to say you are now a member of the Federally Qualified Health Center team, and we’re so proud to have you part of it,” Engels said.

Investing in a Healthier North Alabama

Congressman Strong also recognized the work happening at HAPPI Health and the impact expanded access to healthcare has on the Huntsville community.

“You look at the patients that are being treated here that have access to health, otherwise would not be being treated,” Strong said.

He also thanked HAPPI Health’s physicians and medical staff for their work and emphasized the organization’s impact on the community.

“HAPPI’s been a big part of that, and our community is healthier because of that,” Strong said.

Celebrating With Our Community

HAPPI Health was also honored to welcome community partners, city and county leaders, higher education representatives and other supporters who joined us to celebrate this milestone.

Our growth would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, board members and community partners who believe in our mission: We provide accessible, high-quality care to all communities.

As HAPPI Health continues to grow throughout the Tennessee Valley, becoming a fully funded Federally Qualified Health Center opens new opportunities to expand access, strengthen services and reach even more individuals and families who need care.

Thursday was more than a celebration of an award or a new designation. It was a celebration of our patients, our team, our community and the future of accessible healthcare in North Alabama.

And as Administrator Engels put it, it was certainly a HAPPI day in Huntsville.