LEWISTON, ME – In recognition of the 50^thanniversary of the creation of Federally Qualified Health Centers, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today toured Community Clinical Services in Lewiston where he underscored the important role that community health centers play in delivering high-quality, affordable health care to thousands of people across Maine.

“For fifty years, community health centers across Maine and the nation have been improving the lives of countless people by providing exceptional and affordable health care services,” Senator King said. “Indeed, thanks to community health centers like CCS here in Lewiston, people are happier and healthier, and our communities are stronger as a result. These health centers, and the thousands of people they serve every year in Maine, deserve our support so that they can continue to help those who need it most for another fifty years.”

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also often referred to as community health centers, were created 50 years ago today to improve access to quality, affordable health care services for millions of uninsured and medically underserved people across the nation. FQHCs qualify for several benefits, including enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. To receive FQHC status, an organization must serve an underserved area or population, offer a sliding fee scale, provide comprehensive services, have an ongoing quality assurance program, and have a governing board of directors.

According to the Maine Primary Care Association, Maine is home to nineteen community health centers which operate more than 100 additional locations that can be found in areas and among populations in the state with the greatest needs.  Community Clinical Services (CCS) in Lewiston is a private, non-profit FQHC that provides medical, behavioral, and dental services through its more than a dozen locations in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area to people regardless of their ability to pay. CCS offers income eligible patients a sliding fee scale for office visits, making their services more affordable for local residents with limited income. The eligibility for discounted services is based on household size and income, and households with income below the poverty level are not charged.

Senator King strongly supports FQHCs in their mission to provide quality and affordable primary care services ‎o Maine people. In April, he supported legislation that renewed for two years the funding that supports community health centers, and in March, he signed a letter urging the heads of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies to continue to recognize the importance of community health centers.

During his time in office, Senator King has visited several community health centers in the state. Most recently, he visited Katahdin Valley Health Center in Houlton where he surveyed their use of telemedicine technology to more efficiently provide rural health care services to the surrounding communities. 

Joining Senator King in marking the anniversary were National Association of Community Health Centers Vice President of Public Policy and Research Dan Hawkins, the Maine Primary Care Association Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Santarelli, CCS Executive Director Joan Churchill, and a CCS patient.

Prior to his visit to CCS, Senator King also delivered the keynote address at Lewiston High School’s (LHS) annual Opening Day Ceremony to kick-off the beginning of the coming school year. In his remarks, Senator King addressed more than 500 teachers and administrators and commended them for their dedication and tireless work to build a brighter future for Lewiston’s next generation.

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