[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9306 of August 7, 2015

National Health Center Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For a half century, health centers have delivered comprehensive, high
quality, cost-effective primary health care to patients regardless of
their ability to pay. This week, let us recognize the role of health
centers and thank the tireless and dedicated center staff who work long
hours to provide fundamental services to those who need them most.
Serving nearly 23 million patients, health centers are a vital source of
primary care in communities across America. These centers also provide
patients with crucial information on the importance of regular checkups
and screenings, which encourage timely care and decrease the need for
emergency treatment. By providing health insurance enrollment assistance
to millions of individuals, they are playing a significant role in the
implementation of the Affordable Care Act. This historic law has
supported the operation, expansion, and construction of health centers
across our Nation through the establishment of the Community Health
Center Fund. Today, nearly 1,300 health centers operate approximately
9,000 service delivery sites that provide care to people in every State,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the
Pacific Basin. I encourage those in need of care to use the ``Find a
Health Center'' tool at www.HRSA.gov.
Today, America's health centers have become a critical element of a
health system that reflects the belief that all people deserve access to
essential medical services, regardless of who they are or where they
live. An idea born from the fight for justice and civil rights, health
centers--as well as the committed professionals who support them--carry
forward the ideals fought for at a transformational time in our Nation's
history. Helping to ensure more Americans have the security and peace

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of mind that comes with quality, affordable care, health centers
continue to be instrumental in safeguarding the promise of equality and
opportunity for all.
This week, as we recognize the 50-year anniversary of the first
community health centers being established in America, let us remember
that health care is not a privilege for the few among us who can afford
it, but a right for all Americans--and let us recognize the vital role
health centers across our country play in carrying us toward greater
health for our people.
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 9
through August 15, 2015, 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 seventh day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA