WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has awarded a total of $418,800 to strengthen health services in communities throughout Maine. The grants will support the Portland Community Health Center, Maine Mobile Health Program Inc., York County Community Action Corporation, and Islands Community Medical Services, Inc.

“Access to affordable healthcare is key to the health and well-being of our communities, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “At this critical moment when vulnerable populations are at increased risk, we welcome this funding to support health centers in Cumberland, Kennebec, York, and Knox Counties as they work to serve Maine people. In the days ahead, we will continue to advocate for necessary resources to help Mainers stay healthy through this pandemic and beyond.”

The funding is allocated as follows:

·         Portland Community Health Center has received $118,500.

·         Maine Mobile Health Program Inc. has received $95,100.

·         York County Community Action Corporation has received $106,140.

·         Islands Community Medical Services, Inc. has received $99,060.

This DHHS funding was awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Health Center Cluster Program at HHS, which is tasked with improving access to health care by building healthy communities, strengthening the health care workforce, and achieving health equity. HRSA’s programs target the economic and medically vulnerable as well as the geographically isolated.