County Community Health Organizations Get Financial Boost

Five community health organizations that care for underserved residents in San Diego County were awarded federal grants today totaling nearly $3 million.

The grantees were the Borrego Community Health Foundation, which received $816,000; Family Health Centers of San Diego, $733,000; La Maestra Family Clinic of San Diego, $400,000; Neighborhood Healthcare of Escondido, $217,000; and Operation Samahan of National City, $775,000.

"Health centers are key partners in the improving access to quality, affordable health care services for those who need it most," said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "With new, affordable health insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act, community health centers are also key partners in helping uninsured residents sign up for health coverage -- many of whom have been locked out of the health insurance market for years."

The HHS awarded $150 million to 236 organizations around the U.S.

The agency said community health centers work to improve access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services, and play a role in delivering health care services in communities where rates of people without health insurance are historically high.

-- City News Service