Christopher Shays: “I strongly support S. 1533, a bill which will reauthorize the Community Health Center program. This legislation ensures…”

“I strongly support S. 1533, a bill which will reauthorize the Community Health Center program. This legislation ensures that community health centers will continue providing high-quality care to the medically underserved and neediest populations. I have always been impressed with community health centers and have supported increasing the resources available to them. These centers have made wonderful contributions to the urban areas in the Fourth Congressional District, and the care they provide is as good or better than the care many patients with more comprehensive coverage receive. Last year, these clinics served over 12 million people, 66 percent of whom live below the poverty level. Community health centers are located in 3,000 rural and urban communities throughout the country and provide quality cost-effective primary and preventive care for low-income, uninsured and underinsured patients. By preventing costly hospitalizations and reducing the use of emergency care for routine services, it is estimated community clinics save the health care system over $6 billion annually. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support passage of this legislation so community health centers can continue providing high-quality, cost-effective care. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.”