Warner, Kaine announce funding for health services, early childhood education

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the Department of Health and Human Services will award $17,631,822 in grants for various health care organizations, medical research and Head Start programs across Virginia.

“This funding is an investment in the health and education of our communities,” the Senators said.“Community health centers and Head Start programs help create a strong foundation for Virginia families, and we will continue to be steadfast supporters of these critical programs and services in Congress.”

The following entities will be awarded funding directed at health and social services:

• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Inc. in Arlington will receive $4,786,611 for refugee health and social services;
• Youth For Tomorrow – New Life Center in Bristow will receive $2,985,400 for unaccompanied migrant children services;
• Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services will receive $1,448,057;
• Johnson Health Center in Lynchburg will receive $1,285,709;
• Southern Dominion Health Systems in Victoria will receive $1,073,689;
• George Mason University will receive $197,795 for research into maternity and childhood development;
• Virginia Commonwealth University will receive $114,375 for research into oral diseases and disorders and $76,250 for research into maternity and childhood development; and,
• Old Dominion University will receive $77,500 for research into maternity and childhood development.

The following entities will be awarded funding for Head Start programs:

• Mile High Kids and Community Development, Inc. in Virginia Beach will receive$2,479,370;
• People Incorporated of Virginia in Abingdon will receive $ 2,017,141; and,
• Augusta County School Board will receive $1,089,925.

During a visit this week to Alexandria Neighborhood Health – one of the recipients of today’s funding – and in remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Kaine discussed the positive impacts of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid in Virginia, and why it is critical that Congress defend these landmark health care programs going into the next Administration. Both Senators have supported quality early childhood education programs in federal spending bills, through the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, and in each year of funding for the Preschool Development Grant program.