[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8847--AUG. 6, 2012

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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA