Obama touts new funds for community health centers

President Obama and his administration touted the Affordable Care Act on Monday as they kicked off National Health Center Week.

Obama issued a proclamation Monday to officially recognize the annual Health Center Week. He highlighted investments that his signature healthcare law has made in community health centers.

Between the healthcare law and the stimulus, Obama said, his administration has helped community health centers serve 3 million more patients.

"Health centers play a key role in bringing vital health care services to 20 million Americans from all walks of life," the presidential proclamation states. "They lift up rural and urban neighborhoods alike, extending community based, patient directed care to those who need it most."

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also marked the occasion.

“Through the Affordable Care Act, we’re making an historic $11-billion investment in our nation’s community health centers," she said in a statement. "Health centers are already using some of these funds to add new locations, hire more providers and offer additional services to our nation’s most vulnerable populations."

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