Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, and Angus King announced that two Health Centers in Maine have been awarded a total of $3,682,207 to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies, and boost telehealth capacity in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  This funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will benefit health centers in Penobscot, Lincoln, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset, Franklin, Sagadahoc, and Androscoggin counties.

“Community health centers provide affordable health care to our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.  As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, these medical providers are needed now more than ever,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “This important funding will assist the dedicated staff at Maine health centers as they continue to care for COVID-19 patients throughout our state.”

The funding was allocated as follows:

·       HealthReach Community Health Centers received $2,101,747.

·       Health Access Network received $1,580,460.

Senators Collins and King helped to secure nearly $4 million in September, nearly $13 million in April, and more than $1 million in March for Health Centers across the State of Maine. These facilities provide access to cost-effective primary and preventive care for more than 200,000 people in Maine and are a critical part of the nation’s primary care network.  Across the nation, Health Centers serve approximately 29 million patients at over 10,000 sites in both rural and urban communities in every state in the nation.