Tester joins bipartisan Community Health Centers Caucus

Senator praises work of care providers during Health Center Week

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester is joining the bipartisan Community Health Centers Caucus to support the dozens of community health centers across Montana.

August 5-11 is National Health Center Week, designed to raise awareness of the work that health centers do to provide care in underserved communities across the country.  Community health centers provide primary and dental care to one in ten Montanans.

Tester recently called on his colleagues to provide greater support for community health centers because for many rural Americans, local centers provide important access to quality health care.

“Folks in rural states like Montana rely on community health centers to get the care they need,” Tester said.  “Getting health care providers the resources they need to treat Montanans on a daily basis ensures rural communities stay strong.”

“Bullhook Community Health Center is pleased that Senator Tester has taken a leadership role at the national level to join the Community Health Centers Caucus,” said Cindy Smith, CEO of Bullhook Community Health Center in Havre. “Senator Tester has supported Community Health Centers across the state and in Hill County, and he understands the critical role Community Health Centers play in improving access to quality primary care for all Montanans.”  

Tester recently called on the Department of Health and Human Services to train more doctors in rural states, since doctors who have experience practicing medicine in rural areas are more likely to serve in rural communities once they finish their medical education.

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