Congresswoman Matsui Applauds Cares Community Health Status as an FQHC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
CONTACT: JULIE EDDY
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Applauds Cares Community Health Status as an FQHC
Congresswoman Doris Matsui today applauded the work of Cares Community Health, which has been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
"Cares Community Health has provided critical community health services in the Sacramento area for many years. I am so pleased that they have expanded their services and earned status as a fully-fledged Federally Qualified Health Center," said Congresswoman Matsui. "The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established $11 billion in additional funding to increase and expand operation and construction of health centers throughout the nation. Cares becoming an FQHC is an example of the Sacramento health system's leadership in implementing the ACA and making it work for our communities."
Cares Community Health strives to deliver high quality primary care that is accessible, culturally competent, and at the forefront of innovative health care practices. Cares empowers patients to lead healthy lives in a supportive community. In receiving FQHC designation, Cares Community Health will receive annual federal funds of approximately $704,000, which will greatly expand its primary care capacity.
"The safety net for Greater Sacramento's most vulnerable families has just gained tremendous reinforcement with Cares becoming an FQHC," said Bob Kamrath, Chief Executive Officer of Cares Community Health. "This designation will have profound implications for our ability to enhance the public health and wellbeing of our community. We've been making continual strides toward this moment and this only reaffirms our commitment to our patients and their families."
FQHCs receive federal grants from the Health Services and Resources Administration to provide quality comprehensive services to underserved populations, using a sliding fee scale to ensure patients receive care regardless of ability to pay. HHS announced yesterday $101 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 164 new health center sites in 33 states, adding to the more than 550 new health center sites that have opened since enactment of the ACA.
"The purpose of an FQHC is consistent with Cares' mission and values, and it is only appropriate that they are recognized as a full service community provider," added Congresswoman Matsui.
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