Washington, DC—As National Health Center Week continues, U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today recognized South Dakota community health centers for all the work they do to provide accessible, affordable health care. This year’s theme is Promoting Healthier Communities.
“Community health centers play a critical role in serving rural and medically underserved areas of South Dakota,” said Johnson. “This week is the perfect time to extend our heartfelt appreciation for all that those who work in community health centers do for our state.”
Community Health Centers (CHC) play an important role in South Dakota with 44 service sites. More than 61,000 patients used CHCs in 2010, over half of whom were under 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
Johnson is an ardent supporter of community health centers. Last year, he was awarded the Community Health Defender Award by the National Association of Community Health Centers in recognition of his work to preserve, strengthen and expand access to quality health care service in underserved areas. Johnson is also a member of the Rural Health Care Caucus and has consistently fought for the health care needs of rural areas like South Dakota.
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