The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a $102 million investment to expand the Health Center Program. This funding marks the most significant expansion of the program since 2019 and aims to provide primary care services to nearly 1 million additional Americans.
Through the Health Resources and Services Administration, 158 new and existing health centers will establish 415 new sites across the country. These locations provide comprehensive primary care, including preventive health, nutrition services, and mental health support. The initiative focuses on underserved communities, ensuring that care remains accessible regardless of a patient's ability to pay.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated that the investment is part of a broader effort to address chronic disease by focusing on prevention. The department is also creating a platform to help these centers verify and purchase American-made medical supplies and equipment to support domestic manufacturing.
Health centers currently serve more than 32 million people at over 16,000 locations nationwide. This expansion strengthens that network, providing essential services to rural residents, children, and older adults. The move is a core component of the current administration’s goal to improve national health outcomes and prioritize community-based care.