Rep. Torres Announces Bronx Community Health Centers to Receive $69 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for COVID-19 Response

Eight community health centers will receive funding in April

The Bronx – Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) announced that eight community health centers located in the Bronx will receive federal funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan totaling almost $69 million to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations. The funding will be awarded beginning April by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Seven of the eight health centers were also invited to participate in Biden’s Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program which will provide a direct supply of vaccines to the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities.

These Bronx-based community health centers will be receiving about $69 million total from the American Rescue Plan:

• Urban Health Plan, Inc. – $17,060,750
• Montefiore Medical Center – $1,859,000
• Bronx Community Health Network, Inc. – $16,116,750
• BronxCare Health Integrated Services System, Inc. – $15,077,000
• La Casa de Salud Inc. – $1,387,875
• Morris Heights Health Center, Inc. – $10,663,000
• Union Community Health Center, Inc. – $5,786,875
• Vocational Instruction Project Community Services, Inc. – $877,125

“Community health centers provide essential primary medical care for millions of Bronx residents, including some of our most vulnerable populations. Funding community health centers makes affordable, cost-effective, high quality preventive and primary care services available to individuals regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay,” said Rep Ritchie Torres. “These centers have been on the frontlines battling this pandemic and ensuring our communities have access to critical testing and vaccinations. This  is a welcome direct investment into the livelihoods of Black and Brown communities across the country but especially here in the Bronx.”

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

##