Congressman Valadao Reintroduces Bill for National Community Health Center Week

TL/DR –

Congressman David Valadao along with other representatives has reintroduced a bipartisan bill to designate the first week of August as National Community Health Center Week. The resolution highlights the importance of community health centers, especially in rural and underserved areas. These federally funded centers provide multiple essential health services, including primary, preventive, behavioral, dental, and substance use treatment, while spending just 1% of the nation’s healthcare dollars, thus contributing to the health and strength of local economies.

Congressman Valadao Reintroduces National Community Health Center Week Bill

Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) along with Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution, designating the first week of August National Community Health Center Week. The same bill was reintroduced in the Senate by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). The resolution aims to acknowledge the significant partnership between community health centers and their respective communities.

Reps. Express Support for Community Health Centers

“I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution,” Congressman Valadao said, highlighting the critical role seven federally funded Community Health Center (CHC) organizations play in California’s 22nd Congressional District, serving more than 765,000 patients annually in rural and underserved communities.

Congressman Balderson emphasized the essential role of community health centers in providing millions of Americans with primary, preventive, and behavioral health care. Congressman Davis echoed these sentiments, celebrating their 61 years of improving the nation’s health. Lastly, Congressman Auchincloss encouraged the Congress to make these vital clinics the backbone of primary care in America.

Public Health Stakeholders Applaud Bipartisan Resolution

Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), congratulated the representatives for honoring National Community Health Center Week. NACHC lauded the CHCs for treating 52 million patients, one in seven Americans, including one in three in rural America, while spending just 1% of the nation’s health care dollars.

Jason Vega, CEO of the Central Valley Health Network, recognized the leadership of the representatives in acknowledging the role of health centers in providing access to quality healthcare. Lastly, Kerry Hydash, MPA, President & CEO of Family HealthCare Network, thanked Congressman Valadao for acknowledging National Community Health Center Week and the essential role community health centers play in keeping communities healthy.

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