Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will release funding to three community health centers in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District.  The awards are the second round of health center grants provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Community health centers in Missouri are benefiting from the economic recovery package passed by Congress.  This is exactly why it was important for Congress to pass the recovery bill – to sustain jobs in rural America and promote the health and well-being of the American people.  Additional funds will allow these health centers to expand services and provide better access to health care for people living in the area,” said Skelton.

          The three community health centers in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District include:
 
          Community Health Center of Central Missouri, Jefferson City, $149,534; 
          Katy Trail Community Health, Sedalia, $166,257;
          Richland Medical Center, Inc., Richland, $231,373.

          Community Health Center grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).  HRSA’s network of 1,100 health center grantees across the nation provide health care at more than 7,000 sites, ranging from large medical facilities to clinics and mobile vans.  In 2007, health centers served 16.1 million patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.