WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that three Federally Qualified Health Centers in Aroostook County – Fish River Rural Health, Katahdin Valley Health Center, and Pines Health Services – will share a $100,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. This federal funding will support the centers’ collaborative efforts to deliver joint services and lower healthcare costs in Northern Maine.

“Rural health centers across Maine help ensure that individuals and families have access to quality care, no matter where they live,” said Senator King. “By working together, these health centers will more effectively and efficiently cover large rural areas to deliver these important services. This welcome federal investment will help Fish River Rural Health, Katahdin Valley Health Center, and Pines Health Center to maximize their collaborative efforts as they strive to make their communities healthier and happier.” 

• Fish River Rural Health serves about 4,000 people at its two associated locations in Eagle Lake and Fort Kent.
• Katahdin Valley Health Center serves approximately 10,000 people at its five associated locations in Ashland, Houlton, Island Falls, Millinocket, and Patten.
• Pines Health Services serves about 14,000 people at its five locations in Caribou, Presque Isle, Van Buren, Washburn and Fort Fairfield.

As Federally Qualified Health Centers, Fish River Rural Health, Katahdin Valley Health Center, and Pines Health Services all receive federal funding through the Affordable Care Act to support their operations. This new funding will help facilitate their collaborative efforts to jointly deliver rural health services, share best practices, and lower costs, all with focus of improving the health of their patients.

Senator King recently visited Katahdin Valley Health Center’s location in Houlton, where he underscored the importance of rural health services in Northern Maine and across the state. King also recently voted in favor of legislation that extends funding for health centers, which Congress passed and the President signed into law.

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