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"By expanding the services available in local communities, this money will mean more comprehensive care for the people who rely on health centers," Secretary Thompson said. "Community health centers represent a sound investment in helping people without health insurance or with inadequate coverage. President Bush and I are committed to expanding access to care by adding new health centers and expanding their capacity."

Today's Service Expansion grants will enable health centers in 46 states and Puerto Rico to offer patients new or expanded oral health, pharmacy, mental health and substance abuse services at current sites. The funds also will allow grantees to strengthen community outreach and increase primary care services provided through the Health Care for the Homeless program. The grants overall will broaden access for about 200,000 people.

Health centers serve all people regardless of their ability to pay and target their services in areas where people face barriers to accessing high-quality, culturally competent care. Through extensive partnerships with local providers, hospitals and managed care organizations, health centers build local systems of care that increase residents' access to health services.

President Bush has asked Congress for $1.3 billion to support HHS' Consolidated Health Centers program in fiscal year 2002 -- $124 million more than in this year's appropriation. The increase is part of the President's five-year plan to add 1,200 new health center sites and to double the number of people who are served by the centers.

The funds come from the fiscal year 2001 budget for the Consolidated Health Centers programs, which include the Community Health Center, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, Public Housing Primary Care, and Healthy Schools-Healthy Communities programs. HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration oversees these programs.

For more information on the Consolidated Health Centers programs, go to the program Web site at www.bphc.hrsa.gov or call 301-594-4220. A list of the Service Expansion grants is available at www.hrsa.gov/Newsroom/releases/2001%20Releases/serviceexpansion.htm.

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