[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 154 (Thursday, August 9, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 47765-47766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19749]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 154 / Thursday, August 9, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 47765]]


                Proclamation 8847 of August 6, 2012

                
National Health Center Week, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For nearly half a century, health centers have helped 
                make primary care services available and affordable for 
                millions of Americans. From coast to coast, they 
                deliver critical support for patients by not only 
                providing treatment for those in need, but also 
                emphasizing preventive care that helps people lead 
                healthier lives. During National Health Center Week, we 
                recognize the professionals who power our Nation's 
                health centers and renew our support for these 
                essential health care resources.

                Health centers play a key role in bringing vital health 
                care services to 20 million Americans from all walks of 
                life. They lift up rural and urban neighborhoods alike, 
                extending community-based, patient-directed care to 
                those who need it most. Through their work, health 
                centers strengthen our health care system by helping 
                reduce emergency room visits and easing health care 
                burdens for families across America.

                My Administration is working to empower health centers 
                with the resources they need to provide comprehensive, 
                high-quality care for more individuals. Thanks 
                primarily to the Affordable Care Act and the American 
                Recovery and Reinvestment Act, health centers are 
                serving nearly 3 million additional patients. Last 
                year, my Administration launched an initiative to 
                support 500 health centers in 44 States as they seek to 
                expand their ability to better coordinate patient care. 
                This May, my Administration expanded on that progress 
                by announcing Affordable Care Act funding that will 
                support hundreds of renovation and construction 
                projects at health centers nationwide.

                As we continue to build a health care system ready to 
                meet patients' needs today and tomorrow, health centers 
                will remain an integral part of our communities and our 
                country. This week, we celebrate their many 
                contributions to our public health, and to providing 
                more Americans with accessible, affordable health care.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim the week of August 5 
                through August 11, 2012, as National Health Center 
                Week. I encourage all Americans to celebrate this week 
                by visiting their local health center, meeting health 
                center providers, and exploring the programs they offer 
                to help keep families healthy.

[[Page 47766]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-19749
Filed 8-8-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P