AUSTIN, Texas - 72 community health centers in Texas will receive $400,947,875 in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today.
The Health Resources and Services Administration will begin awarding the funding in April.
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
- Expand health centers’ operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units.
HHS says 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.
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Central Texas counties getting ready to vaccinate all adults
As Central Texas counties wait for COVID-19 vaccine doses, officials are urging residents to be patient and wait for their names to be called.
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"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.
HHS says 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.
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