HHS Sends $727 Million to Community Health Centers

The Obama administration announced today that $727 million in grants will be used to fix up community health centers; it will be the first money of the $11 billion that has been set aside as part of US health care reform initiatives.

The recipients will be the 143 community health centers in 40 states (and Washington, DC and Puerto Rico) and the money is expected to expand the centers so that they can extend access to approximately 745,000 underserved patients

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who made the announcement today, said that “There is no question that the economic downturn has made it harder for some Americans to get health care and important preventive services. Community Health Centers provide quality healthcare services to Americans across the country but are a life line for those who have lost coverage or are between jobs. These funds from the Affordable Care Act will help get more people care in some communities where there have not been many options in the past.”

Around the Web:

HHS announces a major new investment in community health centers [US Health & Human Services]

U.S. sends $727 million to community health centers [Reuters]

HHS Announces a Major New Investment in Community Health Centers [Fierce Healthcare]

HRSA’s Community Health Center Program [Health Resources and Services Administration]