Today, we’re in the midst of the same process, only we are switching to the other side of Capitol Hill.  The deadline for SENATORS to submit a programmatic request is THIS FRIDAY, June 10^th.  But, there is also an easier way for Indiana Senators Lugar and Coats to show support without submitting a request.

photo by Ewan McGregor

Senator Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator Boozman (R-AR) worked together to come up with a document just like their House counterparts Bilirakis (R-FL) and Pallone (D-NJ) did a couple weeks ago.  A ‘Dear Colleague’ letter is available for Senators to co-sign by the end of the business day tomorrow!!

Ideally, full Indiana support for the Health Centers Program would be for Sen. Lugar and Sen. Coats to co-sign the Stabenow-Boozman letter AND submit their own programmatic requests.

HealthNet and other Indiana community health centers have always shown great numbers for advocacy, and these next few weeks are critical for ramping up efforts for our FY2012 funding, particularly after the dramatic cuts we received earlier this year.  Call, email, and fax a letter to each of these Senators to let them know how many patients (voters) they will be helping by showing support for our Health Centers Program!

In order to sign on to the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter, Republican Senators can contact Kathee Facchiano in Sen. Boozman’s office at 202-224-4843 and Democrat Senators may contact Alex Sheff in Sen. Stabenow’s office at 202-224-4822.

Take action today, and help your health center’s patients receive great care while also saving the state health care system money!!

Construction of our NEW Barrington Health & Dental Center

Yet even as welders and electricians prepare the building for its late 2011 opening, a funding battle brewing in Congress threatens to choke off new health services for Indy and other communities across Indiana.

As Congress looks to cut its way to a trimmer deficit, the 2012 federal budget is on the chopping block. In hard economic times, health and human services programs like Community Health Centers are often the first line items to be cut or eliminated – even though the number Americans needing services is on the rise as people lose their jobs, their health insurance, and their homes. Why cut something that actually saves taxpayers money?

At this stage in the long, complicated budget process, we have one day left to make a difference for access to care in Indy! TOMORROW – May 20^th – is the deadline for members of Congress to show their support for Community Health Centers by making a program request to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, asking for increased discretionary funding for Health Centers in FY12.

Take 5 minutes TODAY to call or jot a quick e-mail to your Representative! Encourage him or her to support the recommended discretionary funding level that will lower our nation’s health care costs AND strengthen primary care – especially in Indianapolis.

In the time it takes to get a cup of coffee, you can make a difference for the future of our city!  Click the link on ‘to call or jot a quick email’ to do so!