 He says these health centers play a very important role both nationally and in Rhode Island for providing care for people with lower incomes or who otherwise might be unable to afford or access needed medical care. The Olneyville Center has some 5,000 patients, mostly low-income people, on Medicaid. Most of the patients and their providers will be transferred to a clinic about a half a mile away, but others may have to travel several miles to reach their new clinic.