WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.), today announced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) includes funding for eight community health centers in Baltimore through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

“Community health centers provide an important safety net for the people who need it most,” Senator Mikulski said. “This is especially important in these economically-trying times when there is more need and fewer resources. These American Recovery Act funds will help community health centers keep their doors open to make sure Baltimore’s families have access to reliable health care in their own neighborhoods.”

Senator Cardin said, “For decades, community health centers have provided comprehensive, quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. I am pleased that the economic recovery package is providing needed funding to community health care centers – centers that we know work and save lives.”

The DHHS supports community health centers through the Health Resources and Services Administration. Health centers provide comprehensive primary health care to medically underserved communities. They are governed by a community board and are required to meet performance and accountability requirements.

ARRA includes funding for:

• $219,139 for Family Health Centers of Baltimore, Inc. • $112,011 for Baltimore City Health Department • $571,742 for Baltimore Medical System, Inc. • $248,944 for Chase Brexton Health Services • $330,157 for Health Care for the Homeless • $234,000 for Parkwest Health Systems, Inc. • $278,912 for People’s Community Health Center • $348,817 for Total Health Care, Inc.

To find a health center or to learn more about health centers, please visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/.