Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that seven Community Health Centers across Washington’s 1st Congressional District will receive over $80 million in American Rescue Plan funds to expand their COVID-19 vaccination and treatment programs. These funds are part of a $6 billion investment in federally recognized Community Health Centers that will expand access to vaccines in underserved communities.
Community Health Centers in Washington’s 1st District that are receiving funds include:
- Community Health Center of Snohomish County (Everett, WA): $12.7 million
- HealthPoint (Redmond and Bothell, WA): $16.2 million
- International Community Health Services (ICHS) (Bellevue, WA): $5.5 million
- King County: $3.9 million
- Sea-Mar Community Health Center (Bellevue, Bellingham, Everett, Monroe, Concrete, Mount Vernon, Ferndale, and Everson, WA): $37.2 million
- Seattle Indian Health Board (Seattle, WA and King County): $1.4 million
- Unity Care Northwest (Ferndale, WA): $3.7 million
“Community Health Centers have been instrumental in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. These providers are critical to reaching underserved and rural communities across Washington that are too often overlooked by our health care system,” said DelBene. “The investment from the American Rescue Plan will help health centers get shots in arms and ensure that everyone can access this life-saving vaccine.”
“The American Rescue Plan is a victory that will improve the health of American people and families,” said Teresita Batayola, President and CEO, International Community Health Services. “On behalf of ICHS, I wish to acknowledge the support and leadership of Congressional members such as Congresswoman DelBene and the Biden administration in providing health centers with resources that will allow us to expand access to preventive care, COVID-19 testing and vaccination so everyone has equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of income, language, or insurance or immigration status.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on the health inequities and disparities in our communities, and it also shined a light on the vital role of Community Health Centers in caring for our patients and communities,” said Lisa Yohalem, CEO, HealthPoint. “This funding from the American Rescue Plan Act is a welcome investment in HealthPoint and other Community Health Centers’ efforts to deliver equitable and accessible care to our patients.”
The health centers can use funding they receive to expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment programs for vulnerable and underserved populations; deliver preventive and primary health care services to those at high risk for COVID-19; and expand the operational capacity of the health centers during the pandemic and beyond.
