Recognizing National Health Center Week
Floor Speech
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Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, our nation is fighting multiple crises at once: the risks of COVID-19 on our health and the health of our friends and neighbors, the dire economic impacts of communities halted to keep us each safe, and the surge of racial justice movements across the United States and the world. During these times of difficulty and change, I find myself turning to the institutions in our communities that have always worked to address each of these crises, individually and as a whole--Community Health Centers.
This week we honor the work of Community Health Centers during National Health Center Week. As we contemplate a path forward of safety, health, prosperity, and equity in our country, our conversations must begin and end with the CHCs that have been stalwart providers of accessible healthcare for every individual who needed it.
Each and every day, CHCs provide care for some of our nation's most vulnerable folks. In 2018 in Colorado, CHCs served over 200,000 children, nearly 32,000 individuals without homes, and over 9,500 veterans. Overall, they served nearly 650,000 patients in my state who might have otherwise been unable to access or afford health care.
CHCs provide irreplaceable healthcare services, but they are also economic drivers during this time of unprecedented financial hardship: For every $1 in federal investments, CHCs generated $5.85 in economic activity across Colorado. In total, health centers in Colorado deliver $1.38 billion in economic activity, economic benefits the likes of which can be found in states across the U.S.
And as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, CHCs have risen to the challenge, innovating constantly to keep providing excellent care to their patients and communities.
I have no doubt that we can and we will overcome the struggles presented to us as Coloradans, and as Americans. To do this, it will take robust support for the tried and true systems of healthcare that efficiently, yet humbly serve our communities every day. That is why I'm so proud to recognize the work of Community Health Centers in my home state and across the United States this week and every week.
I thank the doctors, nurses, dentists, behavioral health specialists, and the countless other workers who ensure the success of CHCs and the health and wellbeing of our communities.
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