Rep. Kildee recognized for supporting health centers

During the National Association of Community Health Centers' (NACHC) 35th Policy and Issues Forum held in Washington, D.C., last week, Rep. Dale Kildee was recognized for his support of Community Health Centers across the country. 

This nation's community health centers provide comprehensive health care services — from primary care to dental care to behavioral health care — to 20 million individuals in communities across the country, including nearly 600,000 Michigan residents.  Many health center patients would otherwise go without care because of where they live, the language they speak and their complex health care needs.

NACHC honored Kildee as a 2010 Distinguished Community Health Superhero for voting in support of the health center mission during the 111th Congress, which is to provide access to high quality primary and preventive health care for all people.

"Kildee is truly a superhero for the medically underserved population in Genesee County, and we are delighted that he received the Distinguished Community Health Superhero Award for his hard work and support of community health centers," said Clarence Pierce, chief executive officer of Hamilton Community Health Network.  "Kildee has been instrumental in the growth and development of Hamilton Community Health Network.  He has helped us secure funding for our new Burton site, medical equipment, a new telephone system and a new health information system.  We appreciate Kildee for supporting our mission and being a champion for quality, affordable health care for all people."

Hamilton Community Health Network operates community health centers in Genesee County, serving over 22,000 patients annually.  It is one of 31 health center organizations in Michigan that provide quality, comprehensive, community-based, culturally oriented primary health care to the medically underserved.  Their doors are open to everyone in the community, regardless of insurance status, and their services are affordable because fees are based on patients' income.  Each health center's services are tailored to meet the unique needs of their patients and surrounding communities, and are governed by a patient-majority board of directors.

Studies show that average medical expenses for health center patients are 41 percent lower than for patients who seek medical care elsewhere, saving the U.S. health care system $24 billion a year.  As the health care home for 20 million people living in the United States, health centers are an integral part of ongoing health care reform efforts and stand ready to provide access to health care for millions more people in this country.

Michigan Primary Care Association has been the voice for community health centers and other community-based providers in Michigan since 1980.  It is a leader in building a healthy society in which all residents have convenient and affordable access to quality health care.  MPCA's mission is to promote, support, and develop comprehensive, accessible and affordable quality community-based primary care services to everyone in Michigan. Visit www.mpca.net or call (517) 381-8000 for more information.  MPCA is on Facebook and Twitter.

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