For Release: Monday, March 2, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SERVICES RECEIVES RECOVERY ACT GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that Community Health and Emergency Services, Inc., located in Cairo, will receive a $1.3 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds are part of $2 billion in the bill set aside for community health centers that provide quality care in inner city or rural areas.

The grant will be used to restore full hours to all employees and rehire several others. In addition, replacement vehicles will be purchased and other equipment upgraded. Renovations will be completed at three facilities – Cairo, Harrisburg and Tamms. Service growth at the Harrisburg facility is expected to create 15-20 new jobs.

“This is a great example of how the Recovery Act is getting money into our communities quickly to create jobs and improve quality of life,” said Costello, a member of the Steering Committee of the Rural Health Care Coalition. “Reliable medical services are an essential part of economic development, and this funding will help meet the challenges of providing health care in a rural area.”

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