Press Releases :: June 29, 2009

Madison, Beloit Area Health Centers Receive Federal Funds

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin today announced that community health centers in Beloit and Madison are among sixteen in Wisconsin that have received federal grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) plan to create jobs and improve access to health care.

“I’m delighted that these funds are coming into Wisconsin to help families that are struggling,” said Congresswoman Baldwin who voted for the ARRA when it went through Congress in February 2009. “The strength of our economy and access to quality health care are co-dependent. Each requires the strength of the other to grow. We must bolster both if we are to thrive in the 21st Century and these grants do just that,” Baldwin explained.

Community Health Systems, Inc. of Beloit received $656,980 for the addition of a four room walk-in clinic that is expected to handle at least 8400 patient visits in its first year. In addition, the corporation’s four facilities, in Beloit, Janesville, Darlington, and Racine, will all benefit from upgrades in computer and telephone equipment, the addition of video conferencing, and the purchase of new medical and office equipment.

“We’re just ecstatic to receive these funds to help meet the health care needs of people in our community,” said Beloit Area Community Health Center CEO Richard Perry. “We’re very grateful for Congresswoman Baldwin’s support and will put these funds to good use,” Perry said.

Access Community Health Centers of Madison received $692,960. The money will be used to renovate portions of the facility on East Washington Ave. to add more clinical space and purchase x-ray equipment. The renovations will allow for 3000 more patient visits per year.

Access CEO Barbara Snell said, “More and more people in our community are seeking care at Access and we are running out of space to see them. These funds could not have come at a better time. We are very grateful for this support so that we can continue to expand our care and provide a health care home to those in need.”

Grants totaling $851 million from the Recovery Act Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will support the construction, repair, and renovation of more than 1,500 health center sites nationwide.