George Washington University Researchers to Reveal New Data Showing Impact of Community Health Centers on Reducing Health Disparities

9/22/2003

From: Amy Simmons of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc., 202-296-1890 or 202-309-0338 (cell); http://www.nachc.com/

News Advisory:

-- Narrowing the Health Gap Among African Americans, Hispanics and Other Ethnic Groups: A New Report

-- George Washington University Researchers To Reveal New Data on Showing the Impact of Community Health Centers on Reducing Health Disparities

Recent research has documented the fact that low-income and minority Americans suffer higher rates of mortality and disease, due to both inadequate insurance coverage and lack of access to health care services appropriate to their needs. Community health centers were launched almost 40 years ago to provide primary health care services to medically underserved and uninsured populations in rural areas and inner cities. The challenge to health centers then, and now, was to counter widespread illness and disease in low-income communities where few or no doctors are available, and to provide health services to anyone seeking care, regardless of their ability to pay or their health insurance status.

New findings from a study conducted by researchers at the George Washington University document the remarkable effect of health centers in narrowing health disparities among low-income and minority populations. But with record state budget deficits, a rising patient load, and growing numbers of uninsured Americans, health centers are struggling to meet an ever-growing need with diminishing resources.

A report on the GWU study, "Health Centers' Role in Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities," will be the topic of a news briefing at the National Press Club on Friday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m.

Speakers include U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill); Sara Rosenbaum, JD, Director of the George Washington University Center for Health Services Research and Policy; Robert Richard, MD, Clinical Director of the Cherry Street Health Center in Grand Rapids, MI; and Dan Hawkins, Vice President For Policy, the National Association of Community Health Centers.

WHAT: Press Briefing

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.

WHERE: First Amendment Lounge, National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, 13th Floor

Members of the press and public are invited to attend.