Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced the availability of up to $250 million in grants for new access points for the delivery of primary care services for underserved and vulnerable populations under the Health Center Program.
The Health Resources and Services Administration will award the funds, made available by the Affordable Care Act.
A "new access point” is a new full-time service delivery site that provides comprehensive primary and preventive healthcare services. They're designed to improve the health status and decrease health disparities of medically underserved populations.
“From our cities to our smallest towns, each health center has an important role to play, ensuring access to services in its community,” said Sebelius. “Together they have a critical impact on the healthcare status of those most in need across the nation.”
Organizations eligible for the grants include public or nonprofit private entities that meet health center funding requirements. Current HRSA grantees may apply.
“New access points will address the unique and significant barriers that stand in the way of affordable and accessible primary healthcare services.” said HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN. “Competitive applications will demonstrate a high level of need in the community, present a sound proposal to meet this need, and show that the organization is ready to quickly put their proposal to work.”