Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced that health centers across middle and southwest Georgia will be receiving over $4.9 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the American Rescue Plan to help modernize and improve facilities. Grant awardees in middle and southwest Georgia include First Choice Primary Care in Macon, the Georgia Department of Community Health in Cordele, Albany Area Primary Health Care in Albany, Primary Care of Southwest Georgia in Blakely, CareConnect Health in Richland, and Valley Healthcare System in Columbus. These health centers have been on the forefront of testing, treating, and vaccinating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has strained our health centers, yet they remain a lifeline for our communities,” said Congressman Bishop. “I am pleased to see HHS making these crucial investments in our local health care providers. These funds will help them improve facilities and provide more equitable, high-quality primary care for our family, our friends, and our neighbors.”
The funds are being awarded to health centers that serve medically underserved and other vulnerable populations and communities, which are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and other health conditions. More than 91 percent of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and nearly 63 percent are racial/ethnic minorities.
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