Three Baltimore health centers to get $14.4M from feds

Three Baltimore community health centers will receive more than $14.4 million in federal funds to improve their facilities, the Health Resources and Services Administration announced Tuesday.

Chase Brexton Health Services and People’s Community Health Center will each get $5 million, and Baltimore Medical System will get nearly $4.5 million in capital development grants made possible by the Affordable Care Act.

The money is part of approximately $728 million that the HRSA is allocating to health centers across the country, from the $1.5 billion provided by the ACA for major construction and renovation at community health centers.

Baltimore Medical System will use its money for renovations and to increase the number of exam rooms at St. Agnes Hospital from 28 to 50, and allow the hospital to provide primary care and enabling services to 5,000 more patients, according to a news release.

“Community health centers provide an important safety net for the people who need it most,” Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski said in a statement. “This is especially important in these economically-trying times when there is more need and fewer resources. These Affordable Care Act funds will help community health centers keep their doors open to make sure families have access to reliable health care in their own neighborhoods, while at the same time creating and sustaining good-paying jobs.”

Recipients of the grants were chosen by an independent committee based on the level of unmet need in the communities where the health centers are located, according to HRSA Communications Director Martin Kramer.

In addition, Three Lower Counties Community Services Inc., based in Salisbury, received a $500,000 grant.