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Higgins: Almost $7 million for WNY health care centers

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Tue, Dec 11th 2018 06:45 pm

Community Health Center & Neighborhood Health Center each receive over $3 million

Congressman Brian Higgins announced federal funding totaling $6,939,646 for Federally Qualified Health Centers in Western New York. The Community Health Center of Buffalo and Neighborhood Health Center will each receive over $3 million through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services toward services provided at eight local clinics.

“The top-notch, comprehensive care provided through these health centers is keeping families healthier and reducing health costs through comprehensive primary care that prioritizes prevention and wellness,” said Higgins, a member of the House Ways and Means health subcommittee.

Community Health Center of Buffalo Inc. (CHCB) will receive $3,431,192 in federal funding. CHCB began serving Buffalo’s eastside in 1999 and have expanded to service communities in both Erie and Niagara counties at locations in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls and Lockport.

CHCB CEO Dr. LaVonne Ansari said, “These grant dollars are awarded based on meeting requirements set by the Health Resources and Service Administration of the federal government and are specifically relevant to proficient operation and service delivery. In light of proposed legislation and possible funding cuts, our continued presence in low-income and underserved areas is necessary to the overall health and well-being of communities.”

The Department of Health and Human Services is awarding Neighborhood Health Center $3,508,454. Neighborhood Health Center began as the Northwest Buffalo Community Health Care Center in 1987 and has since expanded to include locations in Blasdell, in Buffalo’s west side at the Mattina Center, and a southtowns office in Hamburg.

“Federally designated health centers like Community Health Center of Buffalo and Neighborhood Health Center are the backbone for a strong community-based and innovative system of care where people have easy access to doctors and preventive resources that save lives and reduce health care costs,” said Joanne Haefner, CEO for Neighborhood Health Center. “These important investments help bring us closer to keeping our families and communities strong by providing essential primary care to those who might otherwise not have access. This funding also helps to boost our local economy by providing career development and attainment opportunities for community members with interests in the medical-related job market.”

Federally Qualified Health Centers provide comprehensive, quality health care to underserved communities, saving $24 billion annually by helping patients avoid costly emergency room visits and hospitalizations through preventative care. In 2018, health centers will serve more than 28 million patients nationwide.

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