FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: James Ferrara
516.498.7765
jferrara@chi-development.com

Chi Healthcare Innovations
Deliver For Providence, RI
Read the press release

CHI HEALTHCARE INNOVATIONS DELIVER FOR PROVIDENCE, RI
Appointed Master Developer For Community Health Centers
New York, NY — August 27, 2010

Background: Federal Policy Focuses On Community Health Centers

Presidential Proclamation: National Health Center Week

The Providence announcement coincides with a Proclamation issued by President Obama declaring the week of August 6th, “National Health Center Week”, and recognizing the centers as “a vital component of our healthcare system...for the 21st Century.” President Obama calls the health centers “essential for underserved communities and vulnerable populations”, noting they also serve as “an integral source of local employment and economic growth.”

Building upon “unprecedented investments in the construction and renovation of community health centers” already provided by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the document continues, “the landmark new health care law, the Affordable Care Act...invests $11 billion in funding over the next 5 years, enabling community health centers to serve nearly double the number of patients currently receiving care...It also finances the construction of hundreds of new community health centers, bringing high quality health care, jobs and economic benefits to countless individuals and communities.”

The White House statement concludes, “Community health centers are the heart of a modern reformed health care system in America. We must continue to invest in these centers.”

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Announces Grants

Economic stimulus funneled $2 billion toward community health centers during the past 18 months and new health care law will add $11 billion over five years. In August, the federal government announced an additional $250 million in grants earmarked for the expansion of 350 community health centers in 2011.

“That work has already begun and we’re working hard to get the resources out in the community,” said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius. “The funds will allow current centers to expand to new sites and offer new access to people of their community.”

To underscore the importance of community health centers, Sebelius noted “Insurance companies that take part in the exchanges created under the law must include essential community providers like these centers in their networks.”