The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $50 million in funds to 75 community-based and patient-directed health centers across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Micronesia in an effort to expand healthcare services to citizens.
HHS said Dec. 15 the money will fund the delivery of pharmaceutical, mental health, substance abuse treatment and oral health services in areas where there are limited affordable healthcare programs.
Mary Wakefield, HHS acting deputy secretary, said the grant under the New Access Point program aims to extend healthcare coverage to more than 240,000 additional people.
“One in 13 people nationwide rely on a [Health Resources and Services Administration]-funded health center for their preventive and primary health care needs,” noted Jim Macrae, acting administrator of HRSA.
HHS added approximately 1,400 health centers at more than 9,800 locations serve more than 24 million people across the U.S. and its territories.