Rep. Vargas Protects School-Based Health Centers
WASHINGTON, DC (February 28, 2014) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2632, the “School-based Health Centers Program Reauthorization Act of 2013” introduced by Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24). The bill reauthorizes operational grants under the school-based health centers program for 5 years.
“School-based health centers play a truly indispensable role in providing vital healthcare services to the millions of underserved children across the nation,” said Rep. Vargas. “I am pleased to join my colleagues in fighting to keep these centers operational.”
In the United States—home to more than 5 million uninsured children—School-based Health Care Centers (SBHCs) act as healthcare lifelines for nearly 2 million children. Appropriations authorized under the Public Health Service Act are the only source of federal support for SBHCs. Without federal support, many of the almost 2,000 centers will be forced to make drastic cuts to their services and workforce, and some will have to close down entirely.
“As a parent, I understand that nothing is more important than the health of my children,” said Rep. Vargas. “All children deserve access to quality healthcare services and I will continue to fight to ensure that becomes a reality.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District, which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.