PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced that three Rhode Island health centers will receive $2,988,180 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for facility renovation and expansion, increasing access to health care for a projected 11,250 additional patients. Comprehensive Community Action in Cranston and Blackstone Valley Community Health Care in Pawtucket will receive $1 million each and the Providence Community Health Centers in Providence will receive $988,180.

“This is another example of the Affordable Care Act's positive impact on Rhode Island. I am pleased these community health centers are receiving additional federal funds to continue to effectively serve local residents and provide comprehensive, integrated care.‎ This is a smart investment that will help provide patients with better quality health care in a more efficient manner,‎” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

“Community health centers are a vital source of health care for many families,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “This federal funding will expand high-quality primary and preventive care options for thousands of Rhode Islanders who need them most.”

“Community health centers provide comprehensive, coordinated, and affordable care to our communities, and to the most vulnerable Rhode Islanders, in particular,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “Building health center capacity and expanding services for these individuals and families that need it most will increase access to preventative treatments and other critical health care services, and will foster healthier communities.”

“Community Health Centers help uninsured Rhode Islanders access high quality health care, reducing health disparities and boosting our local economies,” said Congressman David Cicilline, who is advocating for community health center funding this year and voted to authorize funding through MACRA last year. “I am pleased that this funding will help expand Rhode Island's capacity to serve 11,000 additional patients and will increase access to critical health services in high-need areas across our state.”

Nationwide, HHS estimates that this federal funding, which comes from the Affordable Care Act’s Community Health Center (CHC) Fund, will allow health centers to provide care to over 800,000 new patients. The CHC Fund was extended with bipartisan support in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015, which the entire Rhode Island delegation supported.

"We are extremely excited about receiving this grant, and want to thank our entire federal delegation for their continue support,” said Joanne McGunagle, President and CEO, Comprehensive Community Action (CCAP). “This funding will allow CCAP to expand much needed quality and affordable dental services at our Family Health Services of Coventry health center.” CCAP’s Family Health Services of Coventry is located at 191 MacArthur Blvd, Coventry, RI 02816.

“We are most appreciative of the efforts of our Congressional delegation for their continued support of health centers. Our HRSA funding will help Blackstone establish the nation's first Neighborhood Health Station in Central Falls. We look forward to great accomplishments with the help of this federal funding,” said Ray Lavoie, Executive Director, Blackstone Valley Community Health Care.

“The Providence Community Health Centers are very happy to receive this grant as it will allow us to add additional exam rooms and clinical support space needed to meet our growing patient's needs. We also thank our entire Rhode Island Congressional delegation as their continued support make grants like this possible, and directly impact our community,” said Merrill Thomas, CEO and President, Providence Community Health Centers.