Community health centers get money

Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry todayunveiled a fuller list of 36 community health centers in Massachusetts that will receive a total of $8.6 million in economic stimulus money.
"At a time when families across the Commonwealth are losing their jobs and struggling with health care costs, this funding for our community health centers is desperately needed and will greatly benefit the vital work they do so well,” Kennedy said in a statement. “The first community health center was created here in Massachusetts, and I’ve long been an advocate for the outstanding services they provide in our neighborhoods. I commend President Obama for his commitment to ensuring health centers are a centerpiece of our nation’s health care system so they can continue to serve those who would not otherwise have access to such quality care.”

“This investment is a lifeline for people struggling to pay their bills and those desperate for a job,” added Kerry. “It will create jobs modernizing and renovating the health centers that our seniors, pregnant women and families depend on and will relieve some of the strain on an already overburdened public health system.”

James W. Hunt Jr., president of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, said in a statement, “This is an extraordinary step led by our Members of Congress and Senators to work with the Administration to reinforce the role community health centers play in providing access to health care and creating and maintaining jobs. A special thanks to Senator Kennedy for his consistent leadership in making health centers a key element in protecting our most vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth and nation. As the nation struggles, we’re seeing an increased demand for services, and community health centers will continue to be a key priority. We’re ready to serve.”

The list of grants is below: