[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1554-E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THERE SHOULD BE 
          ESTABLISHED A NATIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize August 10-16 as 
National Health Center Week and in support of H. Res. 240, which seeks 
to raise awareness of health services provided by community, migrant, 
public housing, and homeless health centers. This year's theme 
``Leading the Way to Accessible & Affordable Health Care'' recognizes 
the contributions of health centers in promoting health and preventive 
care in the nation's medically underserved communities.

[[Page E1555]]

  As a co-chair of the community health center caucus and a cosponsor 
of the legislation, I know firsthand the important contributions health 
centers make. Health centers tailor their services to fit the special 
needs and priorities of their communities. Their approach is to help 
people confront critical health problems while lowering the cost of 
services through primary care and prevention. They are vital resources 
to patients who do not have adequate access to medical doctors, 
dentists, mental health providers and other health providers and they 
help make health care affordable to everyone, with or without health 
insurance.
  In 2001, nearly 1,000 health centers served more than 13 million 
children and adults in 3,500 communities across the country, including 
400 school-based sites. Community health centers are making an enormous 
impact in my Congressional district. They have significantly increased 
the use of preventive health services such as Pap smears, mammograms, 
and glaucoma screenings among the populations they serve. Health center 
employees have also worked to increase the number and proportion of 
immunized children, and have made significant strides in preventing 
anemia and lead poisoning. Furthermore, health centers contribute to 
the health and well-being of their communities by reducing the risk of 
adverse pregnancy outcomes, keeping children healthy and in school, and 
helping adults remain productive and on the job.
  National studies indicate that every dollar invested in community 
health centers provides an average savings of three dollars to the 
overall health care system. At a time when the number of uninsured 
Americans continues to increase and federal and state governments are 
facing budget shortfalls, community health centers continue to provide 
essential services at reasonable cost to millions of Americans.
  I urge my colleagues to support community health centers and vote yes 
on H. Res. 240.

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