In an effort to expand COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and treatment, 17 community health centers across Alabama have been awarded portions of $92.7 million in federal aid.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday announced that those 17 centers will be able to use the money to expand testing, treatment and vaccinations for vulnerable populations. The funds are to be awarded in April by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Alabama’s share is part of the federal government’s $6 billion aid to almost 1,4000 community health centers nationwide to help in the fight against coronavirus.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a press release said the money could also include “modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units.”
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Community health centers largely serve underserved communities in rural areas with high poverty rates and large minority populations. More than 91 percent of health center patients are those living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline, and nearly 63 percent are racial or ethnic minorities, according to the press release.
Community health centers receiving funds are:
- Alabama Regional Medical Services Birmingham $3,023,750
- Aletheia House, Inc. Birmingham $1,002,875
- Christ Health Center, Inc. Birmingham $5,151,250
- Cahaba Medical Care Foundation Centreville $4,901,000
- Quality Of Life Health Services Inc Gadsden $19,241,000
- Aids Action Coalition Of Huntsville Huntsville $1,295,125
- Central North Alabama Health Services, Inc. Huntsville $5,022,750
- Bayou La Batre Area Health Development Board Irvingto $3,587,625
- Altapointe Health Systems, Inc. Mobile $725,250
- Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. Mobile $12,350,250
- Mobile County Board Of Health Mobile $9,408,500
- Health Services, (Inc) Montgomery $7,801,375
- Capstone Rural Health Center, The Parrish $1,908,375
- Northeast Alabama Health Services, Inc. Scottsboro $2,609,750
- Rural Health Medical Program, Inc. Selma $2,341,750
- Southeast Alabama Rural Health Associates Troy $6,422,750
- Whatley Health Services, Inc. Tuscaloosa $5,969,500
