More Ohio community health centers get federal stimulus funds

An additional $8 million dollars in federal stimulus funds has been given to 32 community health centers in Ohio, according to a release from Democratic U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (“Thirty-two community health centers in Ohio to split $8 million in stimulus dollars,” MedCity News, March 27, 2009).

The announcement comes less than a month after five community health centers in Ohio were informed that they would split $6.4 million in money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“Ohio community health centers in line for $6.4 million in stimulus funds,” Ohio Health Policy Review, March 5, 2009).

The 32 centers, which serve 350,000 patients in more than 140 communities, had previously submitted proposals for how they would expand hours and services if they were able to obtain stimulus money.

“During tough economic times, too many Americans don’t know where to turn when they first get sick — leading to costly emergency room visits,” Brown said in a written statement. “Community health centers provide critical health services that improve the well-being of Ohioans and reduce the state’s Medicaid costs.”

The MedCity News article includes a complete list of the community health centers that received money, as well as the exact amount that was given, which ranges from $100,000 to more than $700,000.