Kaptur Heralds $1,807,282 in HHS Awards Supporting N. Ohio Health Services
Grants Announced for Health Organizations in Cleveland, Lorain, Toledo
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) heralded news today that more than $1.8 million has been awarded to health care center programs in Cleveland, Lorain and Toledo, Ohio, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve primary and preventive health care services to medically underserved populations in these cities.
"Health care centers are an essential part of our communities,” said Rep. Kaptur. “They provide the everyday health services that help people avoid more serious and more costly conditions. America is a great nation but she is diminished when sick or injured citizens are forced to avoid the care they need to return to good health. I congratulate the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its wisdom in actively supporting the health of our communities in Cleveland, Lorain and Toledo."
Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP) in Cleveland has been awarded $1,000,000 through the Health Infrastructure Investment Program to support construction of a building to expand its current Puritas health center. When complete, the new location will allow NFP to serve more patients by adding additional staff as well as more exam rooms and behavioral health offices.
“The HHS funds go hand in hand with what NFP has been doing for more than 30 years, which is providing quality primary health care services to those who need it most on Cleveland’s near west side,” said Jean Polster, President and CEO of NFP.
NFP is also being awarded $276,976 through the Health Center Cluster grant initiative to expand nurse midwifery services. In 2014, NFP served 440 perinatal patients and more than 4,600 women age 18-44.
“Women’s health services are a core component of NFPs services, and the expanded services award from HSS will accelerate our ability to implement a 2015 strategic plan to expand the midwifery program to provide more access and choice for women,” said Julie Kellon, CNM, MSN, and NFP certified nurse midwife.
The Lorain County Health and Dentistry in Lorain has also been awarded $266,766 through the Health Center Cluster grant initiative, which will be used to hire additional staff, one of whom will be a certified nurse practitioner, to increase the number of patients that can be seen at this location. The goal is to have an increase of 1300 new patients by December 2017, according to Stephanie Wiersma, CEO of the Lorain County Health and Dentistry.
Neighborhood Health Association, Inc. in Toledo has also received $263,540 through the Health Center Cluster grant initiative. In order to qualify as a health center, a facility must: serve a medically underserved population; provide appropriate and necessary services with fees adjusted on patients’ ability to pay; demonstrate sound clinical and financial management, and be governed by a board, most of whose members are being served by the health center.
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