Several Rhode Island community health organizations are set to receive $2,086,664 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase vaccination rates and improve outreach to vulnerable communities.
The funding comes from a new $350 million initiative administered by HHS through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that provides support to community-based organizations in their efforts to increase vaccination rates, with a specific focus on underserved populations.
This initiative also encourages health centers to support mobile, drive-in, walk-in or community vaccination events and to implement extended hours and new vaccination locations off-site.
Community health centers in Rhode Island that will receive funding include Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc., Comprehensive Community Action, Inc., East Bay Community Action Program, Northwest Community Health Center, Providence Community Health Centers, Inc., Thundermist Health Center, Tri-County Community Action Agency, and Wood River Health Services, Inc.
Press release
RI delegation announces $2 million to boost local vaccination efforts
Community Health Centers receive grants from new HRSA grant that expands access to updated COVID-19 vaccines
PROVIDENCE, RI – Several Rhode Island community health organizations are getting a boost from a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program aimed at increasing vaccination rates for COVID-19 in underserved populations. In an effort to combat an increase in winter illness, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced today that eight Rhode Island community health centers will receive $2,086,664 in federal funding to increase access to vaccines and to improve alignment. to vulnerable communities. This funding will help get more shots in the arm and help lower barriers to care for Rhode Islanders hardest hit by COVID-19.
Funding for these community health centers comes from a new $350 million initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), that provides support to community-based organizations in their efforts. to increase vaccination rates, with a particular focus on underserved populations. This initiative also encourages health centers to support mobile, drive-thru, walking or community vaccination events. In addition, this HRSA funding will help support health centers that implement extended hours and new vaccination sites abroad.
“It’s important that we continue to scale up vaccine distribution and increase access, giving people more chances to protect themselves against COVID-19. This injection of federal funding will help Rhode Island community health centers provide more vaccines to some of our state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Senator Jack Reed.
“Rhode Island has long led the way in vaccinations, and we want to continue to build on this progress in the New Year,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “We’re pleased to provide funding to get more shots in the arm through local community health centers, which have been doing incredible work throughout the pandemic to keep Rhode Islanders healthy.”
“As we enter this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critically important to ensure that our most vulnerable populations are able to access up-to-date vaccines,” he said. Congressman Jim Langevin. “I look forward to seeing this federal funding distributed to community health centers across our state so that all Rhode Islanders can stay safe and healthy this winter.”
“Community health centers are a key resource for Rhode Island’s underserved communities, and this funding will help ensure that all of our neighbors have access to and knowledge about COVID-19 booster vaccines,” he said. Congressman David Cicilline. “As we battle an increase in winter illnesses — including influenza, RSV and COVID-19 — it’s vital that every Rhode Islander has the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Community health centers serve about 30 million Americans nationwide. According to Health Resources and Services Administration, health centers provide primary health care for a significant portion of the country’s underserved individuals and families; including one in three people living in poverty and one in five rural residents.
Community health centers in Rhode Island eligible to receive federal funding include:
- Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc. (Pawtucket): $229,180
- Comprehensive Community Action, Inc. (Cranston): $205,879
- East Bay Community Action Program (Newport): $137,299
- Northwest Community Health Center (Pascoag): $195,313
- Providence Community Health Centers, Inc. (Providence): $576,832
- Thundermist Health Center (Woonsocket): $517,522
- Tri-County Community Action Agency (Johnston): $112,513
- Wood River Health Services, Inc. (Hope Valley): $112,126
IN 2021, the eight Rhode Island health centers funded by HRSA served more than 180,000 Rhode Islanders. These health centers received nearly $8 million in federal support to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
