Hawaii Community Health Centers To Split $23 Million In Federal Funding
Hawaii community health centers are set to receive more than $23 million in federal funding to support care for underserved communities as the Covid-19 pandemic endures.
The pandemic highlighted disparities faced by geographically isolated, medically vulnerable and economically disadvantaged populations when seeking health care, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said in a press release announcing the funding on Tuesday.
Community health centers have helped fill critical gaps in Covid testing, vaccination and telehealth services.
Hawaii’s 14 federally qualified health centers will split the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services money, with the largest portions exceeding $2.8 million allotted for the Kalihi-Palama and the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Centers, both of which report serving tens of thousands of patients every year.
The West Hawaii Community Health Center will receive nearly $2.1 million, the most out of neighbor island health centers, with the remaining providers all set to obtain at least $1 million in funds.
“This federal funding will give our health centers the resources they need to continue providing care and keep people healthy,” Schatz said.
The pandemic has seen tens of millions of additional dollars flow into Hawaii’s 14 community health centers, with $10 million distributed in 2020 through the CARES Act and $32 million from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.
