$46 Million in Federal Funding available for Minnesota Community Health Centers

This week U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced more than $46 million in funding is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to community health centers across Minnesota. This funding will help expand coronavirus vaccinations, support the delivery of health care services, and expand health centers’ operational capacity during this pandemic and beyond. The majority for this funding will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).

“Community health centers have been at the heart of our country’s response to the pandemic, with many providing coronavirus tests and distributing vaccines in addition to caring for patients,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This federal funding is much needed, and I will continue to ensure health centers receive the resources they need to support their patients.”

“Everyone should have access to affordable, quality health care,” said Senator Smith. “Before COVID- 19, Community Health Centers (CHCs) were already removing barriers to provide critical care to populations with limited access, but during the pandemic they’ve stepped up even more by providing COVID-19 tests and vaccines on top of their standard medical, dental and mental health services. This funding will help CHCs continue to do important work for people in Minnesota.”

Earlier this month, President Biden signed the ARP, which includes funding for vaccine distribution and expanded testing, direct relief payments to many Americans, an expansion of the child tax credit, additional funding for the Payroll Protection Program, and funding for K-12 education, plus other forms of support.