Larson Announces $29 Million for CT-01 Community Health Centers in American Rescue Plan Funding for COVID-19 Response

Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced that five community health centers in Connecticut's First District will receive $29 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations. The funding will be awarded beginning in April by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

"Our community health centers have been on the forefront of this pandemic. This $29 million from the American Rescue Plan will give them the support and resources they need to continue to battle this virus. I will continue to work with the Biden Administration to ensure our frontline health care centers have what they need," said Larson.

First District Community Health Center Awards:

• First Choice Health Centers Inc. (East Hartford) will receive $3.9 million.
• Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington will receive almost $1.4 million.
• Community Health Center Inc. (multiple locations) will receive $16.2 million.
• Charter Oak Health Center (Hartford) will receive nearly $4 million.
• Community Health Services Inc. (Hartford) will receive $3.7 million

Health centers will be able to use the funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers' operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units. This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals in their efforts to expand vaccinations.

"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 HHS 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."

HRSA-funded health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations, including high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the country. Health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and 1 in 11 people nationwide. More than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and nearly 63% are racial or ethnic minorities.

For detailed information on how this funding is being distributed to health centers, including an interactive map of which health centers will receive funding, please visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/american-rescue-plan/awards.

For information on ensuring equity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, visit: https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavirus/health-center-program