State Medical Centers Receive $85 Million in Health Reform Funds
On Friday, HHS announced grants of $727 million to 143 U.S. community health centers to build new clinics and upgrade technology, including more than $85 million for California clinics, the Washington Post reports.
The grants -- which are expected to increase access to health care to 745,000 underserved patients -- come from the federal health reform law. The law will provide an additional $11 billion for community health centers over the next five years (Fears, Washington Post, 10/8).
California Grants
Several California clinics received federal grants, including Stockton-based Community Medical Centers, which was awarded more than $3.3 million, the Stockton Record reports.
The organization has set aside $2,405,405 for capital improvement construction projects and $980,401 to address increased demands for services (Goldeen, Stockton Record, 10/9).
In addition, United Health Centers received a $7 million grant to increase space at its Mendota and Parlier clinics, the Fresno Bee reports.
The Mendota clinic will use part of the grant to build a 12,000 square-foot addition, while the dental and pharmacy areas will be expanded at the Parlier clinic. Both locations will use the grant money to provide behavioral health services to patients (Fresno Bee, 10/8).
Sebelius Weighs In
In a statement, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that community health centers are "a lifeline" for U.S. residents who are unemployed or uninsured.
She added that the grants from the health reform law will provide care to individuals in communities that have lacked options in the past (Pecquet, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 10/8).
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