Kaptur: Protect
Ohioans Health Care
Cosponsors bill with more than 175 House Members to ensure
community health center funding
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), last week cosponsored
the Community Health Investment, Modernization and
Excellence (CHIME) Act of 2017. This bipartisan
legislation extends the Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF)
for five years, which supports Community Health Centers
across the country and increases funds to ensure
responsiveness to demand for care. The current funding
expired on September 30, 2017.
“Just in Northern Ohio, Community Health Centers serve more
than 55,000 patients. Congress must ensure that Ohioans
continue to receive care,” said Kaptur. “This bill provides
a responsible and steady stream of federal funding to make
sure these health care centers keep their doors open for the
people of Ohio.”
620,000 Ohioans now use Community Health Centers that rely
on these funds. Additionally, Ohio’s community health
centers employ 259 physicians, 253 nurse practitioners and
physicians assistants, 101 dentists, 522 nurses and over
3,800 total staff positions in areas where qualified
professionals are in short supply. The overall economic
impact of the CHC system is estimated to be over $230
million in the state of Ohio. More on specifics on how
community health centers help Ohio’s Ninth district
here.
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