The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $727 million to 143 community health centers across the country to address construction and renovation needs and expand access to quality healthcare.
Among the recipients was the Northeast Missouri Health Council, which received $3.8 million to increase dental and primary services. The council is exploring the option of partnering with A.T. Still University, which last month announced it is doing a feasibility study to determine whether to establish a dental school in Kirksville, MO.
Community health centers serve nearly 19 million patients in the U.S., about 40% of whom have no health insurance. Community health centers deliver preventive and primary care services at more than 7,900 service delivery sites around the country to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income.
Over the next five years, the Affordable Care Act provides $11 billion in funding for the operation, expansion, and construction of community health centers across the U.S. This expansion of sites and services will help community health centers serve nearly double the number of patients receiving care, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
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