Sawtooth Mountain Clinic receives major funding for the fight against COVID-19 as a part of the American Rescue Plan

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) announced today it would receive more than $1.1 million in federal funding to aid in COVID- 19 vaccinations and treatment in Cook County from the American Rescue Plan. Those funds are uniquely available to Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQCHCs) and were announced by the White House.

“Today we can celebrate as a community not only a financial infusion to aid the fight against COVID-19, but the leaders, providers and staff of SMC for delivering the quality healthcare to meet the rigorous standards required to be a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQCHC),” said SMC Board President Clare Shirley, “These federal dollars would not be possible without the dedication of the staff that has allowed SMC to maintain this important status for more than forty years.”

The American Rescue Plan was proposed by U.S. President Biden’s administration and approved by a majority of Congress. Community health centers will be able to use the money 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.

“This funding will be very helpful as we meet the challenge to further expand vaccinations to all persons eligible in our area,” said SMC CEO Kate Surbaugh, “We are so proud of the partnership between SMC, North Shore Health and Cook County Public Health and Human Services – along with all our providers and volunteers – to deliver the state’s leading vaccination rate. Nearly 55 percent of the population of Cook County has already received their first dose and that continues to grow.”