National Health Center Week

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, for over 50 years, community health centers have provided high quality, affordable, comprehensive primary and preventative health care in our nation’s underserved communities, delivering value to, and having a significant impact on, America’s health care system; and
WHEREAS, as the country’s largest primary care network, health centers now serve as the health care home for over 25 million Americans, in over 10,000 delivery sites across the nation. One in every 13 people in the United States get their care in a community health center; and
WHEREAS, health centers in Alabama serve as the health home for over 331,200 Alabamians through 132 delivery sites across the state; health centers also serve as critical economic engines helping to power local economies; and
WHEREAS, every day, health centers are developing new approaches to integrate a wide range of services beyond primary care, including oral health, vision, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to meet the needs and challenges of their community; and
WHEREAS, the health center model continues to prove an effective means of overcoming barriers to healthcare access, including geography, income and insurance status, and in doing so, improves health care outcomes and reduces health care system costs; and
WHEREAS, health centers reduce overall costs of care by managing chronic conditions and keeping patients out of costlier health care settings, like hospital emergency rooms; and
WHEREAS, National Health Center Week offers the opportunity to recognize Alabama’s health centers, their dedicated staff, board members, and all those responsible for their continued success and growth since the first health centers opened their doors more than 50 years ago. During this National Health Center Week, we celebrate the legacy of Alabama’s health centers and their vital role in shaping the future of America’s health care system:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, do hereby proclaim the week of August 13th through August 19th, 2017, as
National Health Center Week
in the state of Alabama. I encourage all Alabamians to take part in this week by visiting their local Health Center and celebrating the important partnership between Alabama’s Health Centers and the communities they serve.
Given under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 26th day of July 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor