A Medical Device Daily

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reported more than $22 million in new health center grants to help people in need – many with no health insurance – obtain access to the comprehensive primary and preventive health care services that health centers provide.

"Everyone deserves quality healthcare," said HRSA Administrator Elizabeth Duke. "These awards will provide access to primary care, as well as pharmacy, preventive dental, mental health, prenatal care, and substance abuse services in communities that do not currently enjoy access to health center care."

The New Access Point grants will establish 42 new health center sites in 23 states, providing an estimated 160,000 Americans with health center services. The grants were awarded to health care organizations in areas where more primary medical care is needed. HRSA grants typically account for about 20% of a health center's total revenue. Medicare, Medicaid and other federal grants total about 45% of revenue; remaining operating funds come from state and local grants and foundations and from patient payments.

Health centers funded by HRSA represent more than 7,000 service delivery sites, including community health centers, migrant health centers, healthcare for the homeless centers and public housing primary care centers.