WASHINGTON – Last week during National Health Center week, Northern Menominee Health Care Center in Powers, Michigan, celebrated its 20^th anniversary as a Community Health Center. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) was on hand to congratulate the staff and receive a surprise award as “Health Care Champion” from the Upper Peninsula of Rural Health Services, Inc.

“The importance of quality, accessible and affordable health care in rural America is second to none,” said Stupak. “It is quite literally the difference between life and death for some people. Northern Michigan rural health care facilities are known throughout the country for their innovative programs, first rate care and, of course, for their commitment to serving their communities. Northern Menominee Health Care Center is a leader on all fronts.”

Stupak has worked to increase funding for the Community Health Center program since coming to Congress in 1993.  Over the past 12 years, funding for the program has increased by almost $1 billion to $1.734 billion this year. This year is also the 40th Anniversary of the creation of the Community Health Center Program, which was established at the same time as Medicare and Medicaid to expand access to the uninsured.

The plaque, awarded on August 10^th, exactly 20 years to the day of the opening, recognized Stupak for his “on-going support of our Community Health Centers to provide services to the uninsured and medically underserved residents of the Upper Peninsula.”

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