Isakson Appeals for Continued Support for Community Health Centers

Press Release

In response to concerns about access to primary health care, especially in rural communities, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., sent a letter with a bipartisan group of senators requesting continued support for community health centers, a proven and cost-effective means of providing basic health services for low-income and uninsured patients.

In the letter the senators write, "We encourage you to work with us to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the health center program. Without access to primary care, many people, including the chronically ill, delay seeking health care until they are seriously ill and require inpatient hospitalization or care at an emergency room at a much higher cost to the entire health-care system."

"Across the country and especially in my state of Georgia, community health centers provide quality primary care at a low cost for hardworking families," said Isakson. "We face a shortage of primary care physicians in many rural parts of Georgia and these centers help meet a critical need. I hope the next budget will reflect that need."

Since the inception of the community health center program, health centers have worked to provide primary care and a variety of support and medical services, such as dental and behavioral care, to America's most vulnerable patients and communities. Today, nearly 1,300 health center organizations serve more than 9,000 urban and rural communities nationwide. Health centers are the health-care home for more than 23 million patients, including nearly seven million children and more than 268,000 veterans. These centers employ more than 156,000 Americans, and generate an economic impact and overall cost savings of over $24 billion.

The letter was sent to the leadership of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, which oversees funding for these quality, low-cost health centers that provide vital services. The letter, which was led by U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., was signed by a bipartisan group of 59 senators in addition to Isakson.

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