Gov. Chris Gregoire Friday announced she received notification that the state of Washington will be awarded more than $10 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help local health care centers meet increased demands.
Pierce County’s share of the total is $639,000.
Gregoire praised the investment as a way to both improve the state’s health care system and protect jobs.
“During these tough economic times, more people are turning to their community health centers for help,” Gregoire said. “This funding will allow centers to expand their services while keeping our qualified health care workers employed.”
The $10 million will be distributed as “Increased Demand for Services” grants, which will help health centers add providers and increase hours of operation.
“We’re moving quickly to get economic recovery funding working in Washingtons communities,” said Sen. Patty Murray, a senior member of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee. “Community health centers provide high-quality, affordable health care for all Washington residents, and I will continue to work to help expand their services. This funding will allow health centers to protect jobs, keep overall health care costs down and keep their doors open to the local community.”
“Washington state’s community health centers provide an irreplaceable service to some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell. “As more Americans lose their jobs and health insurance, these centers are more important than ever. Thanks to this funding, Washington state will be able to provide health care services to more than 72,000 new uninsured patients, and create or retain more than 160 jobs. As we work in Congress to develop real solutions to this nation’s health care crisis, this is a promising step in the right direction.”
