Aug 06 2010
Presidential Proclamation–National Health Center Week, 2010
NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK, 2010 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION America’s community health centers are a vital component of our health care system, providing underserved communities access to coordinated primary and preventive care. During National Health Center Week, we recognize the important work of community health centers for their role in providing quality, accessible, and affordable patient care as we strive to build a health care system equipped for the 21st century. Today, community health centers serve nearly 19 million patients across our Nation, and they are essential for underserved communities and vulnerable populations. They provide care to those who need it most, including millions of Americans with no medical insurance and whose illnesses might otherwise result in an unmet medical need or emergency room visit. As comprehensive wellness hubs, community health centers diagnose and treat illness and injury, and emphasize preventive care and wellness practices. Rooted in community-based and patient-centered care, they also respond to the unique needs of their local communities by conducting outreach and education, ensuring patients can communicate with their providers, and linking patients with social services. My Administration has made significant investments in community health centers. Serving as an economic anchor in many low income and economically struggling communities, community health centers are an integral source of local employment and economic growth. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has already provided unprecedented investments in the construction and renovation of community health centers so they can expand their staff and facilities, adopt health information technology systems, and meet their critical care needs.
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Presidential Proclamation–National Health Center Week, 2010