Health center gets $4.7M in funding
Community Health Connections is receiving the federal grant.
Fitchburg’s Community Health Connections was awarded funding of $4,745,500 through the recently passed American Rescue Plan, according to an announcement by U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan
When I cast my vote for the American Rescue Plan, I did it knowing that the relief in this package would help get more shots into more arms and ensure that no one is left behind as we recover from this pandemic,” Trahan stated in a press release. “( The) investments in our incredible health centers show why this package is so vital, especially to those in our communities who
are traditionally underserved and vaccine hesitant. Our health centers have been the glue holding our pandemic response and vaccine distribution efforts together across the 3rd District and the commonwealth, and I couldn’t be prouder to announce this funding to further enhance their heroic efforts.”
“Community Health Connections is extremely grateful for the continuing support and recognition that we have received from all levels of government. This financial support will enable us to significantly increase access to services for our patients and the entire community. There is much to be done and this funding will ensure that we are able to meet the challenges,” Community Health Connections, Inc. President and CEO John DeMalia said.
The funds, which will be awarded beginning this month by the Health Resources and Services Administration, will be able to be used by the health centers to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers’ operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units.
This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals in their efforts to expand vaccinations.
“Every American should have the security of knowing they have access to quality, affordable health care, especially as we face a pandemic that has exposed the disparities facing rural, minority, and lower-income communi
ties,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden Administration is committed to getting help to those who need it most, and the communities hit hardest by COVID-19 will
benefit from these critical investments.”
The American Rescue Plan put forward by President Biden and supported by Trahan included $7.6 billion funding to further support COVID-19 response ef
forts at community health centers. This was part of a $27 billion allocation in the package designed to address health disparities and protect vulnerable populations for the duration of the pandemic.