Just two weeks after President Obama signed the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” into law, vital resources already have been allocated to benefit New York City families. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today applauded the fast action of the Administration, which has announced nearly $6 million in funds to provide much-needed preventative and primary health care services to New York’s working families.
“Funding from the economic recovery plan has already begun to flow to New York City. The law was designed to help get our nation back on its feet, and the vital resources being allocated will stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for New Yorkers,” Velázquez said.
The Department of Health and Human Services will disperse $155 million in grants authorized by the economic recovery plan to support community health centers across the country. All told, New York State community health centers will receive $7,068,705. The funds are expected to provide healthcare services for more than 45,000 patients and create 335 jobs in the state. New York City health centers will receive $5.9 million:
- · $1.3 million for the William F. Ryan Community Health Center Network in New York City;
- · $1.3 million for the Beacon Christian Community Health Center in Staten Island;
- · $1.3 million for the Urban Health Plan, Inc. in the Bronx;
- · $697,149 for the Bronx Community Health Network, Inc. in the Bronx; and
- · $1.3 million for the Floating Hospital in Long Island City.
“With more than 2.5 million in our state lacking health insurance, this is an investment that will create new jobs while taking strides to ensure a healthy future for New York City,” Velázquez said.
There are more than 50 community health care centers throughout New York state, providing 1.1 million New Yorkers with high quality, affordable and accessible primary and preventive care. These Centers never turn anyone away – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. In addition, community health centers in New York support approximately 12,000 jobs, including physicians, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals.
“It is imperative that we provide quality health care options for all New Yorkers, and the work of our community health centers is unmatched in this effort,” Velázquez said. “From basic care to dental coverage and mental health programs, our neighborhoods benefit from the services provided by community health centers.”
