WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT) today joined the Southwest Community Health Center in Bridgeport to celebrate National Health Center Week. This annual event recognizes the services and contributions of America’s Health Centers in providing affordable, high quality, cost-effective healthcare to all people. This year’s event marks the 46th anniversary of the creation of the Health Centers Program.

“Community Health Centers are an absolutely vital piece of our nation’s health system, and are often the only health entity truly responsive to their community’s individual needs,” said Himes. “The important services provided by these health centers allow patients to save money on health care costs and help to eliminate health care disparities by race and ethnicity.”

The community fair at the Southwest Community Health Center showcased the health center’s many services, and also included fun activities for children and adults to help bring the community together. Himes addressed fair attendees on the importance of America’s Community Health Centers.

“If you are unemployed or uninsured in Connecticut, it has gotten more and more difficult to find affordable, high-quality health care,” he said. “Southwest Community Health Center has been a lifeline to those in and around Bridgeport who have lost coverage or are between jobs.”