Houlahan works to secure health grants

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th, of Easttown, announced that two crucial organizations in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, secured federal grants totaling over $120,000. Berks Community Health Center, with sites in the Reading area, and La Comunidad Hispana (LCH), with sites in southern Chester County, are doing the important work of caring for the uninsured and supporting the most vulnerable in our community.

The announcement comes after Houlahan urged Senate and House Leadership to ensure Community Health Centers (CHC) across the country have the resources they need to operate during this crisis. That letter can be found here.

“For our frontline health care workers, every dollar and cent counts during this crisis. I’ve seen firsthand the important work of our Community Health Centers, and they are already an important part of our nation’s response to COVID-19,” said Houlahan. “I am thrilled that Berks Community Health Center and La Comunidad Hispana have secured this federal support, which will aid in their efforts to combat the coronavirus. These health care workers are leading the charge to protect members of our community. Their service during this crisis has been nothing short of inspiring, and the federal government needs to show up for them as they are showing up for their patients.”

“We are very pleased to have received this additional funding from HRSA, and we appreciate that our legislators understand the important role Community Health Centers will continue to play during the COVID-19 health emergency,” said Mary Kargbo, CEO, Berks Community Health Center. “Cases in Pennsylvania are starting to surge, and our staff remains on the frontline, still providing care every day for patients, either through telehealth or, when needed, at the health centers. Infection control to protect our staff and patients is crucial, and this $61,000 will help us cover those unexpected, soaring expenses.”

“This funding will give us the boost we need to continue to serve our community in this time,” said Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Chief Executive Officer, LCH (La Comunidad Hispana) in Kennett Square. “Our staff have risen to the challenge admirably, but we must incur unavoidable costs to keep them and our patients safe, such as additional protective gear, new medical equipment, technology implementation, and added cleaning services. Our patients trust us as their healthcare provider, and also know that we are a resource for social assistance as many of them deal with the loss of employment and income. We are extremely grateful for this federal support to keep our health center up and running during this difficult time.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO During the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th, of Easttown, speaks to more than 4,000 of her constituents during a telephone Town Hall earlier this week.