Political Quotes

“Today we will take another step toward promoting access to quality health care in Rural America. As a member of the House Rural Health Care Coalition, I am pleased with the overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate for the legislation we will pass today. Earlier this month we passed similar legislation by voice vote. This bill supports a number of critical programs and grants leading to direct benefits to thousands of Maine citizens. There are 31 community health centers in the State of Maine, most of which are located in my district, the largest district in area east of the Mississippi River. Rural health care delivery has been one of the top concerns of my constituents. This bill reauthorizes the Community Health Centers Program, the National Health Service Corps, Rural Health Outreach and telehealth services. Significant improvements will be made to these programs. In particular, NHSC scholarship and loan expansions will enable rural areas to attract more mental health and dental providers. A focus on coordination and integration of telehealth networks through targeted grants will enable facilities across regions to improve direct, patient and training of providers. In addition, outreach grants, technical assistance grants, rural health network development grants, and small health care provider quality improvement grants will significantly expand access to quality health care services and enhance the delivery of health care in rural areas.”