Cohen, Alexander Celebrate the Opening of New Community Health Center in Hickory Hill

"I am thankful that this new facility will extend and improve services to the people of the Hickory Hill community," said Congressman Cohen. "This will greatly assist in the effort to provide additional care to an increasing number of patients during the economic downturn. Without community health centers like Christ Community, thousands of people in the 9th District might not receive the care they need and deserve. I am glad that these vital community health centers have received moneys under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and I will continue to work with Sen. Alexander to secure additional funding for our local health providers."

"Christ Community Health Services currently serves nearly 33,000 Memphians each year, and this new facility will help bring much-needed health care to the Hickory Hill community," said Sen. Alexander, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that has jurisdiction over community health centers. "As the number of uninsured underinsured Tennesseans continues to grow, funding for community health centers is vital to ensuring that Tennessee families are getting the treatment they need. The Health Care Safety Net Act, that I cosponsored and became law last year, extended and strengthened federal funding programs for these critical providers a good start to increasing access to health care for Tennesseans. I will continue to work in the Senate to help support community health centers in Memphis and the rest of Tennessee."

"Christ Community strives to establish health centers where the need is greatest, and Hickory Hill is greatly in need of access to primary and preventive care. It is our hope that this health center will become a resource for the entire community," said Burt Waller, executive director of Christ Community. "The need for quality care for the underserved is an ongoing need, and one thats likely to grow as a result of the current economic climate. However, Memphis has strong philanthropic organizations that are dedicated to continually working for the community, even in hard times."

Founded in 1995, Christ Community Health Services is a not-for-profit, Christian-based organization that provides medical and dental clinics, mobile van services, and outreach programs for the underprivileged, medically-underserved population of Memphis. In addition to the new Hickory Hill location, Christ Community operates four other health centers in the Memphis area Broad Avenue, Frayser, Third Street, and Orange Mound as well as a mobile health clinic that serves local homeless shelters.

The Hickory Hill Health Center offers family and internal medicine and pediatric and prenatal care. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Contact:
Cohen: Charlie Gerber, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817 (mobile)
Alexander: Brett Meeks, (901) 490-3149 (mobile)
Christ Community: Jessica Neal, (901) 484-8920