PATTEN, CARIBOU and EAGLE LAKE, Maine — Three local area health centers are among 18 throughout the state to share a combined $1,083,790 to increase their capabilities to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Pines Health Services of Caribou will receive $60,705, while Fish River Rural Health of Eagle Lake was awarded $55,152. Katahdin Valley Health Center of Patten will receive $65,241.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, on March 24 awarded the funds to 18 health centers in Maine stemming from the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020.
The recipients may use these awards to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies and boost their telehealth capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The act, which the president signed into law on March 6, provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, including $100 million for HRSA-funded health centers nationwide. DHHS has made the funding for health centers available immediately.
“Community health centers are the backbone of Maine’s rural health care system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these medical providers are needed now more than ever,” said U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine. “This important funding will assist health centers throughout Maine as they care for COVID-19 patients in their communities.”
“HRSA-funded health centers have been and will be critical players in our national response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHHS Secretary Alex Azar. “…these grants will help health centers, which know the needs and resources of their communities best, to play their part.”
Other health center recipients are: Bucksport Regional Health Center, D.F.D. Russell Medical Center Inc. in Leeds, Eastport Health Care Inc., Harrington Family Health Center, Health Access Network Inc. in Lincoln, Healthreach Community Health Centers in Waterville, Islands Community Medical Services Inc, in Vinalhaven, Maine Mobile Health Program Inc. in Augusta, Penobscot Community Health Center in Bangor, Portland Community Health Center, Regional Medical Center in Lubec, Sacopee Valley Health Center in Parsonsfield, Saint Croix Regional Family Health Center in Princeton, Sebasticook Family Doctors in Newport and York County Community Action Corporation in Sanford.
