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Throughout August, Administrator Engels engaged with rural communities, health center leaders, and Tribal leaders to highlight HRSA’s work to expand access to high-quality care and improve health outcomes across the country.
On August 13, he joined HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at Castle Family Health Center in Atwater, California, to announce $102 million in New Access Points awards to expand the reach of the Health Center Program. The investment will support 158 new and existing health centers in establishing 415 new sites, expanding access to comprehensive primary care for nearly 1 million people nationwide. The awards represent the first major expansion of the Health Center Program since 2019.
Administrator Engels also visited San Joaquin Health Center, Black Canyon Community Health Center, and Terros Health Inc., where he met with dedicated staff working to expand access to preventive care, behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, and other essential services. The health centers were among the organizations receiving New Access Points awards, which will help bring comprehensive primary care and other services closer to people in rural and underserved communities.
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Administrator Engels continued his engagement with the health center community at the National Association of Community Health Centers gathering in Las Vegas, where he highlighted HRSA’s goals and priorities for supporting health centers and strengthening access to primary care nationwide.
He also met with Tribal leaders at the Tribal Advisory Council Meeting in Washington, D.C., and the Annual National Tribal Health Conference in Chandler, Arizona, to discuss HRSA’s current investments in Tribal health and future opportunities to strengthen partnerships and advance healthier, stronger, and more resilient Tribal communities.
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HRSA announced several key updates this month that will strengthen health care and improve health outcomes for communities across the country. Among the highlights:
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Expanding access to care: A historic New Access Points investment will extend the reach of the Health Center Program and bring care to more than 1 million additional people nationwide.
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Improving newborn screening: HRSA announced a modernized national newborn screening review process to help improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.
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Protecting patient safety: HRSA took action to decertify a Kentucky organ procurement organization, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to patient safety and high-quality care.
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HRSA In Focus
National Health Center Week 2026 celebrated the commitment, compassion, and service of health centers delivering affordable, high-quality care to a record-breaking 32 million people across the country.
Throughout the week, Administrator Engels and other HRSA staff visited health center leaders and teams, participated in roundtable discussions, and joined local health fairs to recognize the extraordinary work health centers provide their communities.
Health centers were also recognized for their achievements through Community Health Quality Recognition badges honoring improvements in areas including access, clinical quality, health outcomes, and health information technology.
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On Aug. 18, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program turned 36! Since 1990, the program has delivered HIV, medical care, medication, and essential support services. Today, it supports more than 600,000 Americans.
Ahead of the anniversary, HIV leaders, program recipients, service providers, and community partners gathered for the 2026 National Ryan White Conference to share ideas, innovations, and strategies for strengthening HIV care nationwide.
HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau leaders shared insights throughout the conference, including Deputy Associate Administrator Antigone Dempsey, who spoke openly about her personal experience with the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the difference it made in her life.
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Key Updates
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Additionally, patients can discover how school-based telehealth can provide students with access to health care, including primary care, mental health care, and support for conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
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