Last week was Community Health Center Week.

Normally, we don’t mark every week that is designated in honor of this or that. Almost every week – and many days – are set aside to honor something.

But the good work and success of health centers should be recognized.

There are more than 40 federally qualified health centers in Maine, which provide care to more than 100,000 people a year. This service not only benefits the individual patients, but also helps the state by reducing health care costs and reducing dependence on emergency room care.

Federal funding allows health centers to provide subsidized care to Maine residents and migrant workers, keeping people healthier and away from expensive hospitalizations.

Health centers have been a priority for President Bush, who hopes to open or expand 1,200 centers to serve 6.1 million people by 2006.

Last week, the Russell Medical Center, which includes a location in Turner, received a grant – along with the Maine Migrant Health Program – to expand access to medical care.

The need is definitely there. According to a report from the National Association of Community Health Centers, there are 36 million Americans without access to regular health care. Meanwhile, the number of visits to costly emergency rooms increased by more than 20 million between 1998 and 2002.

Community health centers play an important role in reducing the health care costs and should be recognized for their good value and essential role in promoting good health.