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Bilirakis Helps To Save Community Health Centers

Washington, DC:  Lost in the madness of the mini-government shutdown was a very important win Medicare recipients. It was a bill championed by Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis to save health centers.

Congressman Bilirakis’s bill to ensure that the 25 million Americans who receive their health care through Community Health Centers can continue to do so, was included as part of the bi-partisan budget bill.  The Community CARE Act provides full funding and reauthorizes this critical, program for another two years.  In the 12th Congressional district alone, thousands of patients receive primary care, dental, and mental health services at Premier in Pasco County and Community Health Centers of Pinellas County.  Nationwide more than 7 million children and 300,000 Veterans utilize these community health centers, which offer high quality care in a cost efficient manner.  Community Health Centers truly serve as a medical home for underserved patients including the uninsured, underinsured, and working poor.  Their patient-centered approach fosters a close partnership between the patient and physician in order to promote positive health outcomes and coordinate follow-up care through appropriate case management.  This delivery model greatly reduces duplication of services and drives down the overall cost of health care.  This is the second time Congressman Bilirakis’s language has passed the House since October; however, it has never previously been tied to a funding bill that is needed for continued operation of the federal government.

“Community Health Centers are an example of what is working in our health care system.  They have a proven track record and have previously enjoyed widespread, bi-partisan support. I just recently held a roundtable to speak with patients and physicians of local community health centers in my district.  They shared countless stories about their positive experiences. I am glad they will continue to receive care without an interruption in service,” said Bilirakis.

James Williams: Jim Williams is the Washington Bureau Chief, Digital Director as well as the Director of Special Projects for Genesis Communications. He is starting his third year as part of the team. This is Williams 40th year in the media business, and in that time he has served in a number of capacities. He is a seven time Emmy Award winning television producer, director, writer and executive. He has developed four regional sports networks, directed over 2,000 live sporting events including basketball, football, baseball hockey, soccer and even polo to name a few sports. Major events include three Olympic Games, two World Cups, two World Series, six NBA Playoffs, four Stanley Cup Playoffs, four NCAA Men’s National Basketball Championship Tournaments (March Madness), two Super Bowl and over a dozen college bowl games. On the entertainment side Williams was involved s and directed over 500 concerts for Showtime, Pay Per View and MTV Networks.
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