What act provided funding for the construction of hospitals in the U.S.?

The Hill-Burton Act is the piece of legislation that provided funding for the construction and modernization of hospitals and other health facilities in the United States. Enacted in 1946, it aimed to improve access to healthcare in both urban and rural communities, especially in underserved areas. The act established a grant and loan program to support the construction of hospitals, which was essential for addressing the post-World War II healthcare needs of the growing population.

The Hill-Burton Act also included provisions requiring health facilities built with federal funds to provide a certain amount of care to individuals unable to pay, thereby enhancing public health access. It played a significant role in expanding the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and addressing disparities in healthcare access across different regions. As a result, this act is fundamental to understanding the development of healthcare facilities in the U.S. and their role in community health.