[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8545--AUG. 5, 2010

Proclamation 8545 of August 5, 2010
National Health Center Week, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

America's community health centers are a vital component of our health
care system, providing underserved communities access to coordinated
primary and preventive care. During National Health Center Week, we
recognize the important work of community health centers for their role
in providing quality, accessible, and affordable patient care as we
strive to build a health care system equipped for the 21st century.
Today, community health centers serve nearly 19 million patients across
our Nation, and they are essential for underserved communities and
vulnerable populations. They provide care to those who need it most,
including millions of Americans with no medical insurance and whose
illnesses might otherwise result in an unmet medical need or emergency
room visit. As comprehensive wellness hubs, community health centers
diagnose and treat illness and injury, and emphasize preventive care and
wellness practices. Rooted in community-based and patient-centered care,
they also respond to the unique needs of their local communities by
conducting outreach and education, ensur-

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ing patients can communicate with their providers, and linking patients
with social services.
My Administration has made significant investments in community health
centers. Serving as an economic anchor in many low-income and
economically struggling communities, community health centers are an
integral source of local employment and economic growth. The American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act has already provided unprecedented
investments in the construction and renovation of community health
centers so they can expand their staff and facilities, adopt health
information technology systems, and meet their critical care needs.
The reforms in the landmark new health care law, the Affordable Care
Act, also strengthen and build upon our existing system of health care
centers. This law invests $11 billion in funding over the next 5 years,
enabling community health centers to serve nearly double the number of
patients currently receiving care, regardless of their insurance status
or ability to pay. It also finances the construction of hundreds of new
community health centers, bringing high quality health care, jobs, and
economic benefits to countless individuals and communities.
Community health centers are at the heart of a modern, reformed health
care system in America. We must continue to invest in these centers and
ensure that comprehensive, culturally competent, and quality primary
health care services are accessible in every community across our
Nation.
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 8
through August 14, 2010, as National Health Center Week. I encourage all
Americans to celebrate this week by visiting their local community
health center, meeting local health center providers, and exploring the
programs they offer to keep their families healthy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA