HHS grants to expand healthcare access

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Sixty-seven community centers will share $28.8 million to help build health service delivery sites, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department said Tuesday.

The health service delivery sites are expected to serve an additional 286,000 patients, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a release.

The funds were made available through the Affordable Care Act.

Community health centers work to improve the health of the nation's underserved communities and vulnerable populations by ensuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary healthcare services.

The grants will help support new, full-time sites that provide comprehensive primary and preventive healthcare services, the department said.

"We are making an investment in the health of people and the health of our communities," Sebelius said. "These awards demonstrate a commitment to improving and expanding access to quality healthcare for local communities. We are removing barriers that stand in the way of affordable and accessible primary health services."