(WSIL) -- U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that 42 Community Health Centers (CHCs) throughout Illinois have been awarded a total of $35.7 million in American Rescue Plan funding to modernize their health care infrastructure and enhance their work to address health disparities in underserved communities.
CHCs will use this funding for COVID-19-related capital needs, constructing new facilities, renovating and expanding existing facilities to enhance response to pandemics, and purchasing new state-of-the-art equipment, including telehealth technology, mobile medical vans, and freezers to store vaccines.Â
Those receiving funding in southern Illinois:Â
- CHRISTOPHER RURAL HEALTHÂ $961,934
- RURAL HEALTH, ANNAÂ $659,357
- SHAWNEE HEALTH SERVICEÂ $866,762
“Community Health Centers have been on the front lines every step of the COVID-19 pandemic � from setting up testing sites, addressing health disparities in medically underserved communities, and getting people vaccinated,� Durbin said. “That’s why Senator Duckworth and I worked to pass the American Rescue Plan, which recognizes the value of CHCs and the importance of equitable care. We are proud to announce this federal funding to strengthen our state’s health care infrastructure.�
“Before and throughout this pandemic, underserved communities have depended on Community Health Centers for affordable, accessible care,� Duckworth said. “Even after the COVID-19 public health crisis is behind us, more than a million Illinoisans will continue to rely on CHCs, which is one of the reasons I’m proud that funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan will keep supporting these vital providers in the communities hit hardest by the pandemic. I’ll keep working with Senator Durbin to help ensure all Illinoisans have access to the care they need throughout this pandemic and beyond.�
