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Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes helped secure more than $1 million to upgrade health care services and educational facilities in Baltimore as part of the fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill.
The legislation passed the House of Representatives last night. President Bush has threatened to veto the bill, which would block this funding from reaching these critical initiatives.
“These funds will help bring much needed health care services and education to residents who are at or below the National poverty line,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. “I’m very pleased that we were able to push them through and I hope the President will reconsider his veto threat.”
According to a recent national health report from the United Health Foundation, Maryland has the third-highest rate of infectious disease in the nation. Maryland has also fallen from 24th to 29th in the rankings of the number of children who receive standard immunizations.
• Baltimore Medical System (BMS) for a Community Health Center in Highlandtown $320K
Baltimore Medical System has become one of Baltimore’s largest providers of community health care services and a significant public health resource. Funding will assist BMS in establishing a new community health care facility that will serve a wide economic mix of patients and generate new jobs.
• Baltimore City Health Department for Mobile Health Services $320K
The Baltimore City Health Department would use funding to upgrade its mobile health units that provide essential clinical services, health education and outreach to the city’s uninsured residents.
• Park Heights Redevelopment Education Initiative $500K
Funding will provide resources to help the KIPP Ujima Academy and Arlington Elementary School hire additional teachers, purchase supplies, cover limited operational costs and open additional slots for neighborhood children.
Without this bill none of the proposed projects will be able to reach the communities and families who need them the most. These projects work toward closing the gap between the insured and the uninsured.
Before coming to Congress, Congressman Sarbanes spent more than 16 years helping community hospitals and clinics, substance abuse and mental health treatment centers, senior living organizations and other health providers achieve the mission of delivering high quality care to Maryland’s families.
To learn more about the Third Congressional District and to sign up for Congressman John Sarbanes’ e-newsletter visit www.sarbanes.house.gov
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