Governor Rell: $3.7 Million in Stimulus Funds

To Expand Health Care for Uninsured in Connecticut

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that 12 community health centers across the state will share $3.7 million in federal stimulus funds to expand their services for uninsured residents in Connecticut.

“In these difficult economic times, the role of a community health center is more important than ever. These health centers do a tremendous job in caring for patients regardless of their ability to pay,” Governor Rell said. “The funds are critical to ensure that Connecticut citizens, who are losing their jobs in this recession, and consequently, their health insurance, will have a much-needed safety net.”

The individual grants, ranging from nearly $600,000 to $100,000 in Connecticut, will allow health centers to extend hours, add new providers and offer new services.

The federal government estimates the funds provide over the next two years by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will allow the Connecticut centers to care for nearly 8,000 new uninsured patients and 20,000 new patients overall. The expanded service is expected to create 70 community health center jobs statewide.

Community health centers operate more than 100 clinics across Connecticut and provide affordable health care for nearly 250,000 people.

Centers Receiving ARRA funding:

·        BRIDGEPORT: Optimus Health Care - $592,573

·        BRIDGEPORT: Southwest Community Health Center - $298,881

·        EAST HARTFORD: East Hartford Community Healthcare - $216,655

·        HARTFORD: Charter Oak Health Center - $314,172

·        HARTFORD: Community Health Services - $267,774

·        MIDDLETOWN: Community Health Center - $670,628

·        NEW HAVEN: Fair Haven Health Clinic - $281,251

·        NEW HAVEN: Hill Health Corporation - $398,511

·        NORWALK: Norwalk Community Health Center - $100,000

·        TORRINGTON: Community Health & Wellness of Greater Torrington - $100,000

·        WATERBURY: Staywell Health Care - $270,184

·        WILLIMANTIC: Generations Family Health Center - $261,264

For more information on these grants and the AARA in Connecticut go to:

www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link