For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 16, 2002
National Health Center Week, 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 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
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