    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8545--AUG. 5, 2010

    Proclamation 8545 of August 5, 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, ensur-

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    ing 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.
    The reforms in the landmark new health care law, the Affordable Care
    Act, also strengthen and build upon our existing system of health care
    centers. This law invests $11 billion in funding over the next 5 years,
    enabling community health centers to serve nearly double the number of
    patients currently receiving care, regardless of their insurance status
    or ability to pay. It also finances the construction of hundreds of new
    community health centers, bringing high quality health care, jobs, and
    economic benefits to countless individuals and communities.
    Community health centers are at the heart of a modern, reformed health
    care system in America. We must continue to invest in these centers and
    ensure that comprehensive, culturally competent, and quality primary
    health care services are accessible in every community across our
    Nation.
    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 8
    through August 14, 2010, as National Health Center Week. I encourage all
    Americans to celebrate this week by visiting their local community
    health center, meeting local health center providers, and exploring the
    programs they offer to keep their families healthy.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of
    August, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA