U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Supports Funding for Community Health Centers

Community Health Centers in South Florida to Receive $2 Billion from Stimulus Package

WASHINGTON, DC – On March 2, President Barack Obama announced that The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide a total of $2 billion for Community Health Centers over the next two years, in order to increase the number of uninsured Americans who receive quality health care.

The release of $155 million in grants—the first part of the $2 billion appropriation—has designated federal funding to support 126 Community Health Centers across the nation. Both Miami and Hollywood were listed to receive a total of nearly $2.6 million in funds.

"The advance of healthcare for South Floridians will be implemented through one of the first designated funds from the recently passed economic stimulus package act. The funds that will be allocated to our Community Health Centers throughout the nation will not only help provide health services to 750,000 Americans, but it will also create 5,500 jobs, " said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL).  "Our community will now be able to receive exceptional, quality health care regardless of income. "

There are currently eight cities in Florida receiving a total of nearly $10.1 million in grant funding (Dade City, Hollywood, Lecanto, Miami, Ocala, Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee). Community Aids Resources, Inc. in Miami and Broward Community and Family Health Centers in Hollywood both received $1.3 million from the stimulus package.

The funding will also support renovations and repairs, investments in health information technology, and critically needed health care services.

"With one of every 19 people living in our nation relying on Health Resources and Services Administration's funded clinics for primary care, these funds could not have come at a more imperative time during our current economic crisis, " added Rep. Meek.  "Throughout the next two years, I expect additional Centers in Florida to receive grant funding. Every Floridian, regardless of income or class, should have access to affordable primary health care."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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