Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC) $2M to increase health care access and quality for underserved patients through virtual care such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring, digital patient tools and health information technology platforms. CHC was among 29 HRSA-funded health centers nationally receiving awards totaling nearly $55 million. This funding builds on over $7.3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding invested in community health centers over the past year to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
CHC will use the award to build upon its experience delivering clinical care virtually during the pandemic, with a primary focus on its patient population with diagnosed behavioral health disorders. This includes expanding CHC’s model of school-based virtual behavioral health care during the COVID crisis to all schools in which CHC provides school-based care. CHC also plans to focus on the homeless population in shelters, transitional housing, and COVID temporary hotel housing to test virtual care as an on-going fundamental care strategy for homeless and transient populations.
According to Mark Masselli, CHC President/CEO, “We are grateful to HHS and HRSA for recognizing the need to deliver care in new ways to the populations who need it most – those served by Community Health Center, Inc. and our peers across the country. This award will allow us to expand a dynamic new model of care, combining in-person and virtual care into a single, holistic approach prioritizing the needs and preferences of our patients.”
“Virtual care has been a game-changer for patients, especially during the pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement released today by HHS. “This funding will help health centers leverage the latest technology and innovations to expand access to quality primary care for underserved communities. Today’s announcement reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing health equity and putting essential health care within reach for all Americans.”
“Today’s awards will help ensure that new ways to deliver primary care are reaching the communities that need it most,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson in the award announcement. “Our funding will help health centers continue to expand their virtual work while maintaining their vital in-person services in communities across the country.”