Celebrating National Health Center Week in Philly

During National Health Center Week, representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services traveled around the country to attend events honoring the great work that Community Health Centers do day in and day out.

I traveled to Philadelphia to participate in the 4th Annual National Health Center Week Celebration hosted by the City of Philadelphia and the Health Federation of Philadelphia in the regal Mayor's reception room. There was an impressive turnout in spite of a torrential rainstorm, which is a testament to how much the community values and appreciates the health centers. A special part of the program was the Youth Poster Contest Award Ceremony. I am surrounded by the winning submissions by the young artists, the topic of which is "Community Health Centers: Health Care for All." It was an honor to be recognized by my friend State Senator Vince Hughes who is fortunate to represent several students who created the winning entries. Senator Hughes made a great point in recognizing the combination of the creation of great art and community service. 

HHS Regional Director Joanne Grossi (center) listens as Spectrum Health Services’ Phyllis Carter (at podium) praises student artists for their work in creating posters depicting the value of community health centers while U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah (left) looks on.

I was pleased to point out the impressive number of people who benefit from community health centers and how the ACA helped to make that happen. I was also honored to announce that two organizations in Philadelphia were receiving a total of $540,000 for new access points. The highlight of the event occurred when Congressman Chaka Fattah offered his perspective on the value of community health centers and pledged his unwavering support for the Affordable Care Act. Congressman Fattah related his conversations with President Obama on their shared commitment to health care for all. The program culminated with Deputy Mayor Dr. Donald Schwarz doing an excellent job as awards presenter and ensuring the young artists received the recognition they deserved for their poignant works of art, which reminded us all of how community health centers continue to improve and save lives every day.

Read more about National Health Center Week. To learn more about HRSA’s Community Health Center Program, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html.  And to find a health center in your area, visit http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.