[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9152--AUG. 8, 2014

Proclamation 9152 of August 8, 2014

National Health Center Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the United States of America, no one should have to live in poverty
just because they get sick. Families deserve quality, affordable health
care and the peace of mind that comes with it--regardless of who they
are, where they live, or what language they speak. Today, nearly 1,300
health centers provide primary care and preventive services at over
9,000 locations across our country. During National Health Center Week,
we acknowledge health centers' vital role, and we salute the
professionals who work long hours to deliver these essential services.
In small towns and big cities, health centers serve as a trusted
network, connecting patients with community resources. Nearly 5 million
people received enrollment assistance at their local health center to
help them access coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Many of the
newly insured--who for so long were priced out of the market or denied
coverage because of a pre-existing condition--will have the opportunity
to receive their first covered checkup at a community health center.
With more Americans getting health insurance, the Affordable Care Act
has made substantial investments in health centers so they can open
their doors to record numbers of patients. Earlier this year, my
Administration announced new funding to help our Nation's health centers
expand their hours, offer additional services, and hire more medical
providers.
Health centers emphasize education and healthy lifestyles, and they help
reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. They lift up families and
create jobs that power local economies. By encouraging regular checkups
and routine screenings, health center staff help patients get timely
care and reduce the need for emergency treatment. Americans can find a
health center near them by using the ``Find a Health Center'' tool at
www.HRSA.gov.
What started as an experiment to expand the promise of health security
today delivers quality care across America--at prices people can afford,
with the dignity and respect they deserve. This week, we recognize the
importance of health centers and the critical support they provide to
communities that need it most. Let us celebrate the progress health
centers have helped us achieve and build on this foundation as we work
to expand access to affordable 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 10
through August 16, 2014, as National Health Center

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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 eighth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA