[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9002--AUG. 9, 2013

Proclamation 9002 of August 9, 2013

National Health Center Week, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Community health centers play a critical role in providing affordable,
high-quality preventive and primary health care to millions of
Americans. From urban centers to rural towns, they offer vital services
regardless of ability to pay--services that help patients stay healthy
and avoid emergency room visits. During National Health Center Week, we
recognize health centers' significant contributions to keeping America
healthy, and we offer our continuing support to the dedicated providers
who operate them.
Today, health centers operate thousands of clinics across our country.
One in every fifteen people living in the United States depends on their
services. They are an important source of jobs in many low-income
communities, employing more than 148,000 people nationwide. And with
clinical and support staff who are responsive to their communities'
needs and cultures, health centers are important partners in our efforts
to reduce health disparities. From coast to coast, they coordinate care
and build professional, compassionate health care teams focused on
improving patient outcomes.
My Administration has worked to strengthen this essential network.
Through the Affordable Care Act and the Recovery Act, we have made
significant investments that have helped health centers expand their
work, which is now reaching more than 20 million people each year.
As millions of Americans gain access to more health insurance options
through the Affordable Care Act, health centers remain as valuable as




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ever. They help community members understand their options, determine
their eligibility, and review possibilities for financial assistance.
With support and funding from the health care law, health centers are
also helping the uninsured enroll in plans made available through the
new Health Insurance Marketplace, as well as in Medicaid and the
Children's Health Insurance Program.
This week, we celebrate these valuable services and extend our thanks to
the women and men who operate America's health centers.
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 11
through August 17, 2013, 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 ninth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA