HHS Announces Historic Investment to Expand Health Center Program, Bringing Primary Care to Nearly 1 Million More Americans

ATWATER, CA - August 13, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announced $102 million in New Access Points awards to significantly expand the reach of the Health Center Program. The awards represent the first major expansion of the Health Center Program since the first Trump Administration in 2019, supporting 158 new and existing health centers to establish 415 new sites and expand access to comprehensive primary care for nearly 1 million people nationwide.

"Strong primary care prevents disease and gives Americans greater control over their health," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "This $102 million investment will bring high-quality care to nearly one million more Americans, expand prevention and nutrition services, and help communities tackle chronic disease at its roots. We are giving more Americans the tools to live healthier lives and Make America Healthy Again."

HRSA is also advancing President Trump's America First agenda by exploring new ways to help health centers purchase American-made medical supplies and equipment. HRSA is working to make a platform available to help health centers find and verify American-made products and make it easier to buy American whenever possible.

Today's announcement, made at Castle Family Health Center, expands access to comprehensive primary care regardless of where Americans live or their ability to pay. By increasing the footprint of health centers nationwide, the Trump Administration is taking decisive action to strengthen preventive care, expand nutrition services, improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and address the root causes of chronic disease.

"Expanding HRSA's Health Center Program has long been a priority, and the Trump Administration is delivering on that commitment," said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. "Health centers are the backbone of our nation's primary healthcare system and essential partners in our work. Today's investment will expand access to affordable, high-quality primary care in communities across the country, helping more Americans prevent chronic disease, improve their health, and access quality care closer to home."

New Access Points funding is the primary pathway for organizations to become HRSA-funded health centers while also supporting existing health centers to expand into new medically underserved communities. HRSA-funded health centers provide comprehensive primary care to more than 32 million people at more than 16,000 service sites nationwide, serving 1 in 8 children, 1 in 5 rural residents, and 1 in 15 adults age 65 and older. Health centers play a critical role in preventing and managing chronic disease while delivering integrated primary care, behavioral health, oral health, and other essential services in communities across America.

Learn more about the Health Center Program and find a health center near you.

Visit the New Access Points webpage for more details on the program and a list of 2026 award recipients.