New projects will increase the need beyond $6 million. In view of the lack of funds. the Public Health Service has had to notify new applicants that their projects cannot even be considered until additional funding is available. For the first time in migrants long history of neglect. the migrant health program provides a mechanism to bring this needy group higher on the priority list of States and communities. The program has demonstrated that the special incentive of project grants stimulates community planning and acceptance of responsibility. Many of the communities where migrants live and work temporarily are themselves below the national average in income. These communities desperately need the financial help which we have already generated. The program is well started. Loss of the planning and organizational effort to deliver services to migrants would be unfortunate. Loss of services to the people would be tragic. Loss of momentum would be regrettable. To maintain the programs momentum and to realize its potential. it should now be extended. Moreover. the appropriation ceilings should be set at realistic levels that will enable the Public Health Service to increase the geographic coverage of project services. to strengthen and expand medical. dental. health education. and other project services. and to make grant assistance available for full reimbursement of hospital costs. The Public Health Service has awarded grants to 31 projects serving migrants in 114 counties in 20 States by the end of the programs first operating year. Today. 115 projects provide migrants personal health care in 300 counties in 36 States and Puerto Rico. Mr. President. I ask unanimous consent that the computation of migrant health projects. the services which they provide. and their directors listed by State be printed in the RECORD at this point in my remarks.
Keywords matched
migrant migrants