Whitney Young Health and thousands of other health centers across the nation are in crisis mode due to Congress’ lack of action when it comes to fixing the federal funding cliff that provides money that is vital to the operation of Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
Why red? Because the time is now – funding for health centers is urgent. We wear red to protect access to quality care for millions of Americans, to sustain the backbone of primary care in this country, to ensure all Americans have an equal opportunity to live healthy and productive lives. Red is the color of urgency, passion and fire – and health center advocates will not back down.
Yesterday, David Shippee, our President & CEO is in Washington D.C. yesterday, along with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) and other health center leaders met with House and Senate Members about the need to include health center funding in the legislation to be voted upon by Congress at the end of next week.
If Congress does not act now and fix the cliff not only are 20,000 patients going to be negatively affected but our staff as well. Do you have a spare two minutes and want to help? Click here and send a templated email to your elected officials so they know you care about keeping these community health centers open.
UPDATE:
The Heath Care Funding Cliff has been fixed!
Early this morning, Congress passed another Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government until March 23rd. As part of the negotiated package, Congress also agreed to reauthorize several federal programs that are critical to the important work of community health centers. The package includes two-year extensions of funding for the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF), the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers program. In more good news, the package allocates an additional $600 million for health centers over the two years!
Thank you to our staff, our board, our patients, and everyone else who supported us and helped us make our voice be heard!