Press Releases
Pingree Announces $41M from the American Rescue Plan Coming to 18 Maine Health Centers
Washington,
March 25, 2021
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced 18 Maine health centers will receive a combined total of $41 million in support from the recently passed American Rescue Plan. This funding will support COVID-19 vaccination and service for vulnerable populations. Pingree voted for the American Rescue Plan and championed health care funding for rural and community-focused health centers. “Living in a rural or underserved place shouldn’t mean that you have less access to a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. Every Mainer should have the peace of mind of knowing they have access to quality health care—especially during a global pandemic,” said Pingree. “As a strong proponent for the American Rescue Plan from the very beginning, I’m thrilled to see that the ample funding for community health centers will be distributed quickly. These funds mean a world of difference for testing and vaccination distribution in Maine and will go a long way to stopping the spread of the coronavirus.” “Maine’s Community Health Centers have been on the front lines of the state’s pandemic response since day one, serving primarily underserved and vulnerable populations across Maine. Health equity is at the heart of who we are and what we do. We applaud the Biden Administration and Congresswoman Pingree for their leadership and work to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines to the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities," said Darcy Shargo, CEO, Maine Primary Care Association. Health centers will be able to use the funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers’ operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units. This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals in their efforts to expand vaccinations.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations, including high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the country. Health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and 1 in 11 people nationwide. More than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and nearly 63% are racial or ethnic minorities. Details of the funding can be found below:
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