Federal funds coming to help state community health centers, seniors

Federal funding will be coming to the state, targeted at helping community health centers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Community health centers across the state are each getting a piece of a $3.2 million in monies secured as part of a coronavirus funding passed recently. The money is being distributed from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funding.

Of the 51 centers chosen, the Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Inc., received the highest amount of funding, with $115,223. The city of Cincinnati received $106,322 for its community health centers. 

Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said the health centers and workers “are on the frontline of this pandemic” and providing the necessary resources is vital.

“This funding is a good first step, but as I continue talking to health care workers across the state, I know more needs to be done,” Brown said in a statement. 

Community health centers are centered on primary and preventive care regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, according to the federal Health Resources & Services Administration, through which the awards were announced.

Food programs for seniors in the state also received a boost from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Nearly $9 million was awarded by the department’s Administration for Community Living, to benefit Ohio’s support programs, such as Meals on Wheels. The funds will be distributed by the Ohio Department of Aging.

Those needing to find support services can use the eldercare locator or call 1-800-677-1116 to find community resources.