National Health Center Week, 2014

Vol. 79

Wednesday,

No. 156

August 13, 2014

Part III

The President

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Proclamation 9152--National Health Center Week, 2014

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Title 3--
The President

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
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.