06-R 184

2006 -- S 3001

Enacted 04/05/06

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL 5, 2006 TO BE HEALTH CENTERS APPRECIATION DAY IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Paiva-Weed, Perry, Goodwin, Alves, and McBurney

Date Introduced: April 05, 2006

     WHEREAS, Access to quality, affordable health care is critical to the well-being of all

Rhode Islanders, to the vibrancy of our economy, and to the attractiveness of Rhode Island as a

place to live, work, and raise a family; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's community health centers provide affordable health care at

facilities in Block Island, Burrillville, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, East Providence,

Hopkinton, Johnston, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown (in

the Wakefield site in Narragansett or South Kingstown), Tiverton, Warwick, West Warwick, and

Woonsocket; and

     WHEREAS, In 2005 the health centers treated over 100,000 patients, drawn from every

city and town in Rhode Island, and without regard to their ability to pay; and

     WHEREAS, Health centers provide a medical home for most of the children and families

enrolled in the RIte Care insurance program, as well as many families insured by Blue Cross and

United Healthcare; and

     WHEREAS, The number of uninsured Rhode Islanders treated at health centers has

grown steadily over the years to the point that approximately 30% of patients do not have any

insurance; and

     WHEREAS, Health centers play critical roles in increasing Rhode Islanders' access to

quality health care, in supporting preventive care, and reducing health disparities related to socio-

economic status; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims April 5, 2006 to be Health Centers Appreciation Day in Rhode Island in

recognition of the health centers' contribution to the health and wellness of our state.

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LC02938

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