[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 33 (Monday, August 19, 2002)]
[Pages 1386-1387]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7583--National Health Center Week, 2002

 August 16, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's community health centers are a vital part of our 
healthcare safety net, providing primary care services to uninsured, 
low-income families and individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.
    Community health centers ensure that all citizens have access to 
medical treatment and preventative care. Each year, community, migrant, 
public housing, and homeless health centers serve more than 12 million 
citizens at over 3,300 delivery sites throughout urban and rural 
communities in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 
Guam, and the Virgin Islands. These centers care for 1 of every 5 low-
income children and 1

[[Page 1387]]

of every 12 rural residents. By working together with schools, 
businesses, churches, community organizations, foundations, and State 
and local governments, these health centers strive to meet the special 
needs and priorities of communities and to improve the health and well-
being of countless families and individuals.
    Health centers offer responsive and cost-effective health care that 
includes comprehensive primary and preventive services; prenatal and 
postpartum care; patient education, case management, and outreach; 
translation and other support services. My Administration is committed 
to increasing Federal support of healthcare centers. Through my 
Community and Migrant Health Centers Initiative we are working to double 
the number of patients served in these centers, and create 1,200 new and 
expanded health center sites over 5 years.
    With the observance of National Health Center Week, we recognize the 
important role and the invaluable contributions of America's health 
centers, their staff, board members, and all those responsible for their 
success. During National Health Center week, I join in encouraging all 
Americans to celebrate the importance of health centers to our 
communities by participating in health fairs and screenings, blood 
drives, immunizations, and open house events.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 18 through 24, 
2002, as National Health Center Week. I encourage all Americans to 
observe this week with appropriate activities and programs in order to 
raise their awareness of the importance and variety of services provided 
by America's health centers.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., August 19, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
August 20.