[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 137 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 17, 2018

  Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize National Health Center Week and commend Community Health 
Centers for their important role in America's health care system.
  For over 50 years, Community Health Centers have provided high-
quality, affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive health care 
in our nation's underserved communities, delivering value to, and 
having a significant impact on, our health care system.
  Today, Community Health Centers serve as primary care for more than 
27 million Americans in rural and urban areas. Often, these Health 
Centers are the only accessible and dependable source of primary care 
in their communities. In Pennsylvania, Community Health Centers serve 
more than 800,000 patients at more than 300 sites every year. In 
Pittsburgh alone, there are seven different Health Center organizations 
that serve over 44,000 patients at 33 delivery sites, including mobile 
health clinics. These Health Centers provide access to a variety of 
primary care services such as vision, oral, and behavioral health, as 
well as preventative care services for chronic illnesses such as 
diabetes, asthma, heart and lung disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
  Community Health Centers also help the American economy by generating 
$24 billion in savings for our health care system annually. Their 
facilities offer care for patients outside of the emergency rooms and 
hospitals which place a greater financial burden on our health care 
system. Health Centers also generate $45.6 billion in economic impact 
in areas with slower economic growth and employ more than 200,000 
physicians, nurses, and staff across the country.
  Congress has spent a great part of the past year debating the future 
of our nation's health care system. Despite uncertainty about the 
Affordable Care Act and instability surrounding our health care 
markets, Community Health Centers have remained a core source of care 
for low-income Americans and underserved populations. It is with their 
help that we can make affordable, high-quality healthcare accessible 
for all Americans regardless of geography, income, and insurance 
status. It is also with their help that we will overcome our nation's 
most pressing health crises such as the opioid epidemic, public health 
threats, and care for veterans.
  I encourage all Americans to observe National Health Center Week by 
visiting their local Health Centers, learning about their services, and 
thanking the Health Center staff in their communities.
  I believe the best way to recognize National Health Center Week is to 
support full funding for Community Health Centers and to advocate for 
programs which help patients to access their services. I will continue 
to support Community Health Centers and I hope my colleagues will join 
me.

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