Proclamation 9473-National Health Center Week, 2016
Issued 2016-08-05 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate the week of August 7-13, 2016, as National Health Center Week. The proclamation recognizes community health centers that have provided affordable health care to people regardless of their financial status for more than 50 years, serving underserved communities and vulnerable populations. According to the proclamation, nearly 1,400 health centers operate approximately 9,800 service delivery sites and provide care for nearly 23 million patients.
This proclamation primarily affects how Americans think about and recognize community health centers during this specific week. The proclamation encourages all Americans to celebrate by visiting their local health center, meeting health center providers, and exploring the programs they offer. People seeking care can locate their nearest community health center using the "Find a Health Center" tool at www.HRSA.gov.
This proclamation is a ceremonial observance that draws public attention to health centers and their role in the nation's health care system. It does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens. Presidential proclamations like this have been issued since George Washington and fall within the traditional executive authority to express the President's sentiment on behalf of the nation.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9473-National Health Center Week, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to health center. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9473—National Health Center Week, 2016 August 5, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Across America, community health centers offer affordable, high-quality health care to people regardless of their financial status. For more than 50 years, underserved communities and vulnerable populations have relied on the primary and preventive care options these centers provide. During National Health Center Week, we reflect on the important role that health centers have played in delivering the comprehensive care all people deserve. With a strong focus on community-based and patient-centered care, health centers offer more than just treatment for illnesses and injuries; through an emphasis on education and prevention, they promote wellness and help people lead healthier lives. Anyone seeking care can locate their nearest community health center by using the "Find a Health Center" tool at www.HRSA.gov. Health centers have also played an important part in implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition to giving 20 million more Americans the peace of mind of having quality, affordable health insurance, the ACA has enabled health centers to add more than 950 new service