[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9473 of August 5, 2016

National Health Center Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Across America, community health centers offer affordable, high-quality
health care to people regardless of their financial status. For more
than 50 years, underserved communities and vulnerable populations have
relied on the primary and preventive care options these centers provide.
During National Health Center Week, we reflect on the important role
that health centers have played in delivering the comprehensive care all
people deserve.
With a strong focus on community-based and patient-centered care, health
centers offer more than just treatment for illnesses and injuries;
through an emphasis on education and prevention, they promote wellness
and help people lead healthier lives. Anyone seeking care can locate
their nearest community health center by using the ``Find a Health
Center'' tool at www.HRSA.gov. Health centers have also played an
important part in implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In
addition to giving 20 million more Americans the peace of mind of having
quality, affordable health insurance, the ACA has enabled health centers
to add more than 950 new service delivery sites across our country.
Today, nearly 1,400 health centers operate approximately 9,800 service
delivery sites and provide care for nearly 23 million patients.
Health centers are an important part of our Nation's health care system,
and my Administration remains committed to supporting these facilities
and the care they deliver. This year, we invested $94 million to help
health centers treat people suffering from substance use disorders--
including prescription opioid abuse and heroin use. We have also made
new investments to build and renovate health center facili

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ties across our country to help serve more patients and increase
availability of oral health services. And because America's health
centers are uniquely positioned to address certain public health
challenges, we have increased funding to expand critical services in
communities that need them most. We have made key investments to help
health centers respond to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and
combat the growing threat from the Zika virus in Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
This week, let us thank the dedicated professionals in our community
health centers who provide quality care at affordable prices. Let us
build on their efforts to improve the well-being of our people and
together continue working to bring about a stronger, healthier Nation
for all.
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 7
through August 13, 2016, 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 fifth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA