HHS’ Sebelius announces $128M in federal grants

HHS’ Sebelius announces $128M in federal grants

DETROIT (AP) — The Obama administration will expand community health centers in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $128.6 million in awards today in Detroit.

The Affordable Care Act grants will go to 219 health centers, increasing access to more than 1.25 million additional patients.

About 5,640 doctor, nurse, dental provider and support staff jobs are expected to be created. Health centers employed about 138,000 people last year.

Last month, the department announced $21 million in grants for expansion projects at five community health centers in Kansas and nearly $3.5 million for two centers in Utah.

Sebelius says the health care law is making “community health centers stronger and ensuring more Americans get the care they need.”