Dearborn, Mich. – Today, U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) visited the Western Wayne Family Health Center in Taylor.  He hosted a roundtable on federally qualified health centers with local doctors, patients, and administrators.  The event highlighted the positive impact these centers make in Southeast Michigan.

“Every community deserves to have local health care facilities. Community health centers like the Taylor Western Wayne Family Health Center play a vital role in our health care system,” said Dingell.  “Medicaid and uninsured patients are no longer forced to travel far to receive care. Further, community health centers help families who cannot travel by saving them the expense and long wait in the region’s overburdened emergency rooms.

Today, Dingell heard from the patients and local community health providers about the impact federally qualified health centers have on their lives.  He was honored that they would share their stories.  These community health providers serve on the front lines of our health system, representing the largest network of primary care providers in the country.

“As the costs of health care continue to rise across the country and threaten access, thousands of families across Southeast Michigan struggle to afford and find adequate health care for their families,” said Dingell. “I think it is the right thing to do to fund preventative services to the most vulnerable in our society, ensuring they receive their immunizations, their physicals, and critical health screenings, among other services.”

Congressman Dingell has for years been a leading advocate for health care reform and public health programs.  He continues vigorous oversight in the 112th Congress to see that the implementation of and funding for the Affordable Care Act law, of which he is the author, are done in a fully fair manner that benefits all Americans.

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