East Central Texas News

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) introduced the Strengthening Community Care Act of 2023, H.R. 2559, to reauthorize federal funding for Community Health Centers and the National Health Service Corps through 2028.  Without passing reauthorization legislation, federal funding for Community Health Centers and the National Health Service Corps is set to expire this year.  

“Community Health Centers play an essential role in providing health care to vulnerable populations in Houston and more than 30 million Americans across our country,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “It is so important that Congress support Community Health Centers and health care providers with the tools and resources needed to ensure positive health outcomes.  I was glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Joyce, Blunt Rochester, and Stefanik to reauthorize funding for Community Health Centers and the National Health Service Corps to ensure access to quality health care.” 

“Over 238,000 people in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District rely on the expert care provided by Community Health Centers,” said Congressman John Joyce.  “It’s essential that the doctors, nurses, and other providers who serve our communities have the resources they need to continue providing care. Congress must pass the Strengthening Community Care Act to support both patients and providers in our area.”

“I’m working to protect Community Health Centers that provide critical healthcare and preventative services for families across Upstate New York and the North Country,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “In New York’s 21st District, our Community Health Centers serve over 250,000 patients and extending this funding is critical to serving the needs of our region.”

“As a proud Community Health Center headquartered in Congresswoman Fletcher’s district, Legacy Community Health is thankful for Congresswoman Fletcher’s, Congressman Joyce’s, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester’s and Congresswoman Stefanik’s tireless commitment to Community Health Centers across the nation,” said Legacy Community Health, CEO, Dr. Robert “Bobby” Hilliard.  “This fund represents approximately 70 percent of the federal funding for health centers and will provide consistent and dependable funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, teaching health centers that operate GME programs, and ensure vital funding for the future. Legacy uses CHC funds to recruit and retain talented healthcare professionals to work in the nation’s most underserved communities. Our plans to serve the growing needs of nearly 200,000 community members, hire additional staff and increase access to care for patients are dependent on this Fund. Legacy also uses these funds to create programs that address non-medical drivers of health by tackling food insecurity, transportation, and translation services for our patients. We are so appreciative of the Congresswoman supporting the needs of the community, and we hope to be her trusted provider for a community in need.” 

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

Original source can be found here.