WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced federal funding to help local community health centers expand their ability to provide comprehensive primary care to low-income and underserved children and families.  The $800,178 grant is being awarded to East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP), a Federally Qualified Community Health Center that operates two community health centers, one in Newport and one in East Providence.  The funds are being awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care's Section 330 Service Area Competition Program. 

EBCAP is a multi-service community action program that provides a wide spectrum of social, health, and human services to children, young adults, older adults, and families through dozens of associated programs and other services including: Head Start and Early Head Start programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant, and Children (WIC); family development and case management services; youth programs; housing and energy assistance services; food pantries; emergency and transitional housing; employment training; rental assistance; the Patient Assistance Pharmaceutical Program; and an array of services for the elderly including case management, senior employment, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  Its two centers serve several surrounding Rhode Island communities including East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown.

As the only organization in the state that is a Community Action Program, FQHC, Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), and state and federally-certified Home Visiting Agency, EBCAP addresses the social determinants of health issues in addition to directly providing programs for community health needs.   

In addition to helping EBCAP continue its present operations, the grant will allow EBCAP to provide medical services to a growing client base in towns it serves.  EBCAP’s FQHC locations provide comprehensive Integrated Care (primary, dental, and behavioral health care) to low-income and underserved residents in its service areas.  EBCAP operates four integrated care sites: one in Newport, which serves Newport County, as well as two in East Providence and one in Barrington, which serve the East Providence, Barrington, Warren, and Bristol areas.

“EBCAP provides comprehensive and vital services to Rhode Islanders who otherwise would have no access to health care and other needed services.  It is a community pillar and a very important resource for low-income and underserved children and families across our state,” said Senator Reed, who wrote a letter in August in support of EBCAP’s application.  “I’m glad to see EBCAP receive this funding.  I congratulate EBCAP on its successful application.”

More information about EBCAP’s services can be found here.