Hawaii Community Health Centers to Share $23 Million in Federal Funding

Hawaii Community Health Centers are set to receive more than $23 million in federal funding to support care for underserved communities as the Covid-19 pandemic drags on.

The pandemic has highlighted the disparities faced by geographically isolated, medically vulnerable and economically disadvantaged populations when seeking health care, US Senator Brian Schatz said in a press release announcing the funding on Tuesday.

Community health centers have helped fill critical gaps in Covid testing, vaccination and telehealth services.

Hawaii’s 14 federally licensed health centers will share money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the bulk exceeding the $2.8 million allocated to Kalihi- Palama and Waianae Coast, both of which report serving tens of thousands of patients each year.

The West Hawaii Community Health Center will receive nearly $2.1 million, the maximum of nearby island health centers, with the remaining providers all set to secure at least $1 million in funds.

“This federal funding will give our health centers the resources they need to continue providing care and keeping people healthy,” Schatz said.

The pandemic has seen tens of millions more pour into Hawaii’s 14 community health centers, with $10 million distributed in 2020 through the CARES Act and $32 million of the US Bailout Act of 2021.

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