We just returned from the annual NACHC Policy and Issues Forum. Thanks to all of our executive directors, medical directors, and board members who were able to make the trip to Washington DC and make this a great trip! Here is a quick highlight of the week's events.
Fiscal Year 2013 Funding Schedule
HRSA has announced the FY 2013 funding schedule for the health centers program. As many of you will remember, the health centers program received an increase of $200 million dollars this year to be distributed across a number of different areas including new access points, expanded services, and capitol grant funds (see table below).
FY 2013 Health Centers Program Funding Schedule
Funding Request for FY 2014
This year we are requesting an increase in funding of $300 million dollars to bring the total health center program budget to $ 3.1 billion—the amount requested in the president's budget. In addition for these specific funding levels we are requesting that our funding base be restored to the amount necessary to continue operating the health center program -- $2.8 billion. The additional $300 million would come from the Health Care Trust fund and would be used to expand services and create new access points.
Day on the Hill
We had a great day on Capitol Hill, meeting with our entire state delegation. With some of our newer Congressional members we were able to focus on outreach and education, providing them with information on how health centers serve their communities and extending invitations to visit health centers in their district. We were able to present Representative Matheson with the National Association for Community Health Centers Health Center Advocate award, and thank him for his continued support of the health centers program. I think we took some good steps in strengthening our relationships with our national senators and representatives.
If you have questions related to the FY 2012 funding schedule, FY 2013 funding requests; would like help scheduling a visit with your representatives, or anything else related to the Policy and Issues Forum please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
