First Congressional District of North Carolina Health Centers to Receive Over $45 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for COVID-19 Response

Congressman Butterfield today, applauds the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that nine community health centers in North Carolina's First Congressional District will receive $45,337,125 in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations. The funding will be awarded beginning in April by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Health centers will be able to use the funds 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.

"Now more than ever, North Carolinians and vulnerable populations across the nation need access to high-quality and affordable healthcare services" said Congressman Butterfield. During this unprecedented public health crisis, community health centers have answered the call to provide patient centered, culturally competent care to the communities they serve. This critical American Rescue Plan Act funding will help our community health centers continue to receive the federal support they need not just for the COVID-19 pandemic, but to ensure their ability to serve our communities in the future. I am very pleased that HHS has allocated these grant funds to help support the vital missions of community health centers in North Carolina's First Congressional District."

"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 communities," said HHS 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."

HRSA-funded health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations, including high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the country. Health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and 1 in 11 people nationwide. More than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and nearly 63% are racial or ethnic minorities.

Name

City

State

Award Amount

BERTIE COUNTY RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

WINDSOR

NC

$1,003,875

CAROLINA FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS INC

WILSON

NC

$5,802,375

GATEWAY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, INC.

GATESVILLE

NC

$985,375

GOSHEN MEDICAL CENTER, INC.

FREMONT, GOLDSBORO, & MOUNT OLIVE

NC

$10,175,500

GREENE COUNTY HEALTH CARE, INCORPORATED

SNOW HILL

NC

$13,417,375

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY HEALTH

WASHINGTON

NC

$1,691,125

OPPORTUNITIES INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTER, INCORPORATED

ROCKY MOUNT

NC

$2,237,125

ROANOKE CHOWAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC.

AHOSKIE

NC

$3,035,500

RURAL HEALTH GROUP, INC.

ROANOKE RAPIDS

NC

$6,988,875

TOTAL

$45,337,125

A list of North Carolina American Rescue Plan Act community health center recipients can be found here: North Carolina American Rescue Plan Act Awards | Bureau of Primary Health Care (hrsa.gov)

For detailed information on how this funding is being distributed to health centers, including an interactive map of which health centers will receive funding, please visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/american-rescue-plan/awards.

For information on ensuring equity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, visit: https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavirus/health-center-program

Source