Bush lauds community healthcare clinics

Dec 05,2007 00:00 by UPI

OMAHA -- Healthcare for the underserved and uninsured people was the discussion topic Wednesday between U.S. President George Bush and providers at a clinic in Omaha.

Bush visited OneWorld Community Health Centers to discuss the success of community health centers in providing healthcare to medically underserved and low-income individuals. In 2001, Bush began an initiative to support new or expanded health center sites.

Noting 85 percent of the center's clientele speak English as a second language and the "vast majority" are low income, Bush said "they're receiving first-class quality care."

The facility Bush visited became a federally funded center in 2001 with money from the Department of Health and Human Services.

"People here feel a great sense of community and accomplishment ... because community health centers, not only here in Omaha, but around the country, provide a very vital service," Bush said.