Feds Grant $33M To Community Health Centers In Mass.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced $33,716,628 in grants awarded to community health centers around the state for renovation and new construction projects under the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act. The agency noted that "these awards will help them serve approximately 42,539 new patients," according to estimates from the grantees.

From HHS:

The announcement made today is for awards from two capital programs for community health centers. One will provide approximately $629 million to 171 existing health centers across the country for longer-term projects to expand their facilities, improve existing services, and serve more patients. This program will expand access to an additional 860,000 patients. The second set of awards will provide approximately $99.3 million to 227 existing health centers to address pressing facility and equipment needs.

Health centers improve the health of the nation’s communities by ensuring access to primary health care services. Currently, more than 8,500 service delivery sites around the country deliver care to nearly 19.5 million patients regardless of their ability to pay.

And here's Gov. Deval Patrick's statement:

“Community health centers are at the heart of our health care system in Massachusetts and play a vital role in our continued success,” said Governor Patrick. “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the Obama Administration’s investment in our community health centers will grow new jobs and expand health care opportunities across the Commonwealth.”