WASHINGTON D.C. – The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recognized Senator John Boozman with its highest award – the “2012 Distinguished Community Health Champion Award” for his unwavering support of America’s Health Centers and as a valued leader in efforts to make health centers the solution to improving access to primary and preventive health care in underserved communities.

“I am grateful for the service and role Community Health Centers play in providing access to quality health care to our communities. These facilities offer a common sense, cost-effective solution to the challenges of our health care system,” Boozman said. “I am honored to receive this award and I will continue to be a champion for these centers.”

Community Health Centers serve the primary health care needs of more than 20 million patients in more than 8,000 locations across the United States including 75 health center sites in Arkansas. 

Boozman led efforts in the Senate encouraging members to support current levels of federal grant support and all existing operations at health centers.  

"We are thrilled that the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), its 8,000 health center locations, and their 20+ million patients, honored Arkansas Senator John Boozman with the distinguished "Champion" Award. Senator Boozman is a strong supporter of Community Health Centers and has demonstrated his support in a variety of ways, including his co-sponsorship of the bi-partisan Stabenow-Boozman 'Dear Colleague' letter in support of funding for Community Health Centers. Arkansas is proud to have a true leader and advocate for the Community Health Center movement in Senator Boozman," says Sip Mouden, CEO of Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc. (CHCA), which represents 12 Community Health Centers with 75 locations in Arkansas. 

Dr. Susan Ward-Jones, CEO of East Arkansas Family Health Centers and Chair of the CHCA Board of Directors, and Kathy Grisham, Executive Director of Community Clinic, introduced the Senator and Ms. Mouden, who serves as Region VI Representative to the NACHC Board of Directors, presented the award to Senator Boozman during a reception held at the Newseum in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 22, 2012.