Press Releases

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern announces $342,577 in funding for Worcester school-based health center programs

Congressman Jim McGovern announced today that two Worcester school-based health center programs received a total of $342,577 in grants through the Affordable Care Act. Family Health Center of Worcester received $200,380, while the Edward Kennedy Community Health Center received $142,197.

The awards are part of $95 million being invested in 278 health center programs across the country. The awards will help clinics expand and provide more health care services at schools nationwide.

Family Health Center and the Edward Kennedy Community Health Center currently provide services in 10 Worcester public schools. Family Health Center of Worcester will utilize the funds to enable electronic medical records, and move more comprehensive dental screening into Worcester schools, while the Edward Kennedy Community Health Center will use their funds for renovation and new equipment purchases.

-I'm proud that both of these centers will be able to expand the incredible work they already do around our community,- said Congressman Jim McGovern. -Healthy students make better students, and these investments will mean that our students get the enhanced high-quality care they deserve. I believe we need to protect programs like these, not cut them.-

Earlier this year, House Republicans passed a bill that repealed the funding in the Affordable Care Act for investment in school-based health centers. Republicans voted to repeal this funding despite the fact that school-based health centers have been proven to improve the overall health and wellness of children, increase academic performance, and reduce absenteeism.

-Family Health really believes in the work we do in our school health centers. With these funds we can help families ensure that their children are healthier and more productive in the classroom,- said Frances Anthes, President and CEO of Family Health Center of Worcester. -This funding will help us incorporate both the newest technologies in medical records and oral health in our six school-based programs.-

Eligible applicants were defined as a school-based health center or a sponsoring facility of a school-based health center as outlined in the Social Security Act. An objective review committee used the review criteria established in the grant guidance to assess and rank applications. Each reviewer on the objective review committee is screened to avoid conflicts of interest and is responsible for providing an objective, unbiased evaluation based on the review criteria.

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, visit www.healthcare.gov. To learn more about HRSA's School -Based Health Center Capital Program, visit www.hrsa.gov/ourstories/schoolhealthcenters/