HHS Awards $102 Million to Expand Health Center Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing $102 million in New Access Points awards to significantly expand the reach of the Health Center Program. The awards represent the first major expansion of the Health Center Program, supporting 158 new and existing health centers to establish 415 new sites and expand access to comprehensive primary care for nearly one million people nationwide.

New Access Points funding is the primary pathway for organizations to become Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers while also supporting existing health centers to expand into new medically underserved communities. HRSA-funded health centers provide comprehensive primary care to more than 32 million people at more than 16,000 service sites nationwide, serving one in eight children, one in five rural residents and one in 15 adults age 65 and older. Health centers play a critical role in preventing and managing chronic disease while delivering integrated primary care, behavioral health, oral health and other essential services in communities across America.

“Strong primary care prevents disease and gives Americans greater control over their health,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This $102 million investment will bring high-quality care to nearly one million more Americans, expand prevention and nutrition services and help communities tackle chronic disease at its roots. We are giving more Americans the tools to live healthier lives and Make America Healthy Again.”