Utah health centers will receive $7 million in federal grants

SALT LAKE CITY — More than $7 million will flow to 11 Utah health centers through federal grants to help medically underserved communities and bolster efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccines.

US Department of Health and Human Services

Utah centers that have received HHS grants to improve community health care.

This funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services will include funding for the purchase of mobile vans to reach people who do not have easy access to vaccinations.

“Health centers are lifelines for many of our most vulnerable families across the country, especially in the midst of the pandemic,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

This funding will be used for needs related to COVID-19, such as the purchase of new state-of-the-art equipment, including telehealth technology.

“Investing in the construction and upgrading of health centers will significantly increase access to affordable, high-quality primary health care services in underserved communities across the country,” said Diana Espinosa, Acting Administrator of administration of health resources and services.

More than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, and nearly 63% are racial/ethnic minorities.

A map of national award recipients can be found here.

Go here to locate an HRSA-funded health center.

Maria J. Book