WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) a grant of $100,000. The Department’s Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) will provide the funding through its Rural Health Network Planning Grant Program, which promotes the planning and development of health care networks in order to increase efficiency, improve care and strengthen the rural health care system as a whole.

“Rural Maine’s health care networks are a lifeline that keep our citizens healthy, boost local economies, and help ensure that Maine communities can thrive,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We welcome these funds from the Department of Health and Human Services, which will enhance the level of care available to the people of Franklin County.”

HCC works to improve the health and well-being of surrounding rural communities. The organization uses a coordinated public health approach to support healthy lifestyles that prevent disease and improve quality of life. The main HCC facility is located in Farmington, and its community outreach efforts are accessible to every surrounding town of Franklin County. With the help of these funds, the organization will be able to expand its efforts to serve the rural region.