With Washington waiting until Dec. 20 to deal with the federal budget, the nation’s community health centers are concerned.

Community health centers that care for 326,000 uninsured and under-insured South Carolinians face uncertainty.

Health centers receive some revenue from Congress via the Health Center Program. The Community Health Center Fund which expired Sept. 30 supplies 70% of their money.

Support for the health centers is overwhelming, but federal money has not been approved.

Frank Knapp, SC Small Business Chamber CEO, advises calling the Congressional delegation and asking them to re-authorize the Community Health Center Fund.

Many health center patients work for small businesses, Knapp said.

“The health of these workers is critical to our small business economy.”

You can call Sen. Lindsey Graham at (202) 224-5972, Sen. Tim Scott at (202) 224-6121 and Rep. Joe Wilson at

(202) 225-2452.