CAMBRIDGE


,



MD


–
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a leading supporter of efforts to expand federally qualified health centers (FQHC), today visited the


Cambridge


Dental


Center


and the


Fassett-Magee


Health


Center


to congratulate the Choptank Community Health System (CCHS) on receiving $1 million in funding through the Federal Investment Program (FIP) grant program to expand dental services. CCHS was the only community health center in


Maryland


to receive FIP funding, which was made available through the

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
.

“Expanding our system of community health care centers is an investment in the health of our citizens and our economy,”
said
Senator Cardin. “In 2007, 12-year-old Deamonte Driver’s tragic death illustrated how important dental care is to overall health care.
  Preventative health care and dental care saves lives and costs less than treating advanced diseases or injuries.”

CCHS is a fully accredited community health center providing comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health care services at eight locations in Caroline,





Dorchester


and Talbot counties.
  In 2008, more than 27,000 patients were seen through the combined programs of CCHS for a total of more than 93,000 visits.
  The Recovery funds will enable CCHS to renovate the


Fassett-Magee


Health


Center


to include a new seven chair dental center.

Investments in health centers pay for themselves. Overall medical expenses for health center patients are 41 percent lower than for patients who receive care elsewhere.   Senator Cardin has co-sponsored the

Access for All Americans Act

, S. 486, which would expand funding for FHQCs nationwide.