**Kuster also joined Mid-State Health’s BBQ to meet with their staff and celebrate their work during Community Health Center Week**

Plymouth, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) visited Mid-State Health Center to honor Community Health Center week. Rep. Kuster heard first-hand from clinicians and Mid-State leadership about their operations as well as updates on an expansion for which Kuster secured $750,000 in federal funding. The funds were made available through the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process, authorized by Congress last year, to help Mid-State drastically expand its scope of practice to include lactation support, physical and behavioral therapy, pre-and post-natal care, and more.

“Community health centers play a huge role in New Hampshire’s health care system – when we invest in them, our entire state feels the benefits,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “From expanding access to quality affordable child care to providing our neighbors with the substance use disorder treatment they need, Mid-State represents the positive impact that community health centers can have. Thank you to the clinicians and staff who I met with today, I look forward to our continued work together to ensure every family has the support they need to thrive.”

“Mid-State prioritizes equitable healthcare, ensuring access for all, including the youngest members of our community. Our understanding of early childhood development and accessible maternal health care fuels our commitment to expanding our services for families. Sincere gratitude to Congresswoman Annie Kuster for her steadfast support and dedication to the health and well-being of our communities’ children and families,” said Robert MacLeod, DHA, Chief Executive Officer of Mid-State Health Center.

Kuster is a leading advocate for our community health centers. Earlier this year, she introduced legislation to increase access to mental and behavioral health services provided through community health centers by expanding weekend and evening hours, creating new service sites, and investing in the primary care workforce. The bill complements efforts to reauthorize the Community Health Center Fund and the Biden Administration's FY24 budget proposal.

Kuster also secured funding for Mid-State’s child care site, Little Antlers Learning Center, which allowed the center to triple the number of children they provide care for and teach, allowing dozens of families in rural communities throughout Grafton County to access quality child care. 

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