U.S. Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) on April 10 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would extend funding for community health centers (CHCs) and the National Health Service Corps.
“Over 238,000 people in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District rely on the expert care provided by community health centers,” Rep. Joyce said. “It’s essential that the doctors, nurses, and other providers who serve our communities have the resources they need to continue providing care.”
The Strengthening Community Care Act of 2023, H.R. 2559, which three original cosponsors signed on to, including lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), would reauthorize funding for community health centers through 2028 and provide continued access to care for over 30 million Americans in rural and underserved communities, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Joyce’s office.
“Community health centers help improve the lives of thousands of Delawareans up and down the First State,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “From distributing vaccines to offering preventative care – CHCs often serve the hardest to reach populations and help improve health outcomes and health equity.”
The National Association of Community Health Centers and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers endorsed H.R. 2559, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“Congress must pass the Strengthening Community Care Act to support both patients and providers in our area,” said Rep. Joyce.