American Public Health Association Recognizes Contributions Of National Health Centers

August 9, 2007 – 8:45 pm | posted in Primary Care

The American Public Health Association recognized the contributions of community, migrant and homeless and public housing health centers during National Health Center Week 2007, Aug. 5-11.

“For over 40 years, health centers have provided primary care and preventive services to low-income and medically underserved communities,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (Emeritus), executive director of the American Public Health Association. “At a time when more and more people are losing their health insurance coverage or paying more than they can afford for health care, America’s health centers provide an affordable health care solution with proven results. During National Health Center Week we recognize a tradition that reduces health disparities and keeps communities healthy and disease-free with affordable, high-quality care.”

Today, 16 million people in more than 6,000 communities rely on a health center as their family doctor. No one is turned away for care, regardless of his or her insurance status or ability to pay.

Launched in 1965, the federal health centers program has dramatically reduced health disparities and infant mortality on a statewide level. They are part of a public health movement that has vastly improved community health while lowering health care costs.

Learn more about National Health Center Week .

American Public Health Association

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