Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell today announced $544,912 in Affordable Care Act funding to 3 health centers in Virginia to support patient-centered medical homes through new construction and facility renovations. Nationally, over $35 million was awarded to 147 health centers in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
“Health Centers provide access to quality health care for Virginians regardless of their ability to pay,” said Secretary Burwell. “We’re making these investments so that Virginia Health Centers will be able to provide even higher quality services to the patients that rely upon them.”
The patient centered medical home delivery model is designed to improve quality of care through team-based coordination of care, treating the many needs of the patient at once, increasing access to care, and empowering the patient to be a partner in their own care.
“Today’s awards will support 21 new construction projects and 126 alteration and renovation projects at health centers across the United States as they work to improve their design and expand existing structures to better support team-based care,” said Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator of HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration.
Today, nearly 26 health centers operate more than 144 service delivery sites that provide care to over 286,604 patients in Virginia. Health centers are also playing a critical role in helping the public learn about new coverage opportunities under the Affordable Care Act, by conducting outreach and enrollment activities that link individuals to affordable coverage options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Today’s awards help support high quality care and updated facilities for the newly insured.
- For a list of awardees, visit: www.hrsa.gov/about/news/2014tables/pcmh/.
- To learn more about HRSA’s Health Center Program, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html.
- To find a health center in your area, visit http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
- To learn more about the Affordable Care Act and Community Health Centers, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/healthcenterfactsheet.pdf.