More federal money to fight COVID-19 is flowing into the Coastal Bend, this time aimed at providing health services to underserved communities. Four regional health care facilities will receive a total of $3.5 million, U.S. Senator John Cornyn recently announced.
Community Action Corporation of South Texas, Gulf Coast Health Center, Amistad Community Health Center, and the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation have been given Federally Qualified Health Center status by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Community health centers with FQHC status qualify for federal funding, reduced physicians insurance, larger Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, and a low-cost prescription drug program.
The funding comes from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Consolidated Health Centers (CHCs) grant program within the HHS.
“This funding will allow Legacy Community Health Services to expand current services and establish new ones for local patients,” Cornyn said in a statement. “In addition, this center reduces the cost of health care by increasing access to non-emergency medical care and relieving the strain on emergency rooms.”
Here’s how the money will be distributed:
• Community Action Corporation of South Texas, $867,650
• Gulf Coast Health Center, $1,299,995
• Amistad Community Health Center, $734,210
• Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, $574,865