San Diego County's Community Health Centers To Get $116 Million For COVID Response

San Diego CA

26 March, 2021

1:59 PM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego March 26, 2021 Over 175 community health centers across California will share $993 million in funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and related health services for vulnerable populations, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The funding is part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that was approved by Congress earlier this month and will begin in April. The health centers will be able to use the money to expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand operational capacity during the pandemic, including 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 Health and Human Services 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," he said. Community health centers in San Diego County will share a total of $116 million. Here's what each group of health centers will get: Federally qualified community health centers provide affordable, accessible and cost-effective primary health care to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. They serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and 1 in 11 people nationwide. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.