Markets Wired

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today published the latest edition of its Community Developments Investments electronic newsletter entitled “Financing Health Centers: Supporting Community Wellness.”

The articles in this edition of Community Developments Investments provide an in-depth look at bank financing of federally funded health centers that serve economically disadvantaged communities. Federally funded community health centers provide life-sustaining medical and supportive services to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay. These facilities are experiencing increased service demands by millions of formerly uninsured individuals who now have access to health insurance.

“This demand can be mutually beneficial for health centers and banks,” said Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry. “With the growth in patient demand, the healthcare industry needs to expand, and banks have the financial tools to help meet these needs. Banks seeking to increase their lending and fulfill Community Reinvestment Act goals may achieve both objectives by financing this growing industry.”

Articles in this edition of Community Developments Investments look at how banks are financing the construction, renovation, and expansion of federally funded health centers. Bankers and public health professionals discuss the public sector financial resources they have leveraged in the financing of these facilities.

Community Developments Investments is available on the OCC’s website.

Banks and thrifts interested in learning more about these opportunities may contact the OCC’s District Community Affairs Officers located throughout the nation.

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