335M available under HHS Expanded Services initiative for community health centers

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the availability of up to $335 million for existing community health centers across the country under the Expanded Services (ES) initiative. These funds are made possible by the Affordable Care Act and will increase access to preventive and primary health care, including dental health, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, and/or enabling services, at existing health center sites.

“We are committed to improving the overall health and wellness of our nation's under-served communities and the Expanded Services grants are a step in the right direction”

"Prevention and primary care are integral parts of the Affordable Care Act and these new funds will have a significant impact on the health care status of those most in need across the nation," said Secretary Sebelius.

The Affordable Care Act provides $11 billion in funding over the next 5 years for the operation, expansion, and construction of health centers throughout the nation. Of the $11 billion, $9.5 billion is targeted to creating new health center sites in medically underserved areas and expanding preventive and primary health care services at existing health center sites. An additional $1.5 billion will support major construction and renovation projects at health centers nationwide. This expansion of sites and services will help community health centers serve nearly double the number of patients they do today, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

"We are committed to improving the overall health and wellness of our nation's under-served communities and the Expanded Services grants are a step in the right direction," said HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield, Ph.D. R.N. "These new investments will allow existing health centers to improve and expand vital primary health care services, and continue to meet the increased demand for services."

Health center grantees requesting ES funds must demonstrate how these funds will be used to expand medical capacity and services to underserved populations in their service areas.

For grant application information, please visit www.grants.gov. Applications are due January 6, 2011 at 8 P.M. E.T.

http://www.hhs.gov/news