Costa Announces $1.6 Million for Community Health Centers in Merced County

Merced, CA – Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) announced a combined total of $1,601,548 for community health centers in Merced County. Livingston Community Health received $1,118,215 and Golden Valley Health Centers received $483,333. These grants are made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration. The funding will go toward improving and establishing facilities to boost health services in rural areas.

"It is a pleasure to announce grant funding for two community health centers in California's San Joaquin Valley," said Rep. Costa. "Livingston Community Health and Golden Valley Health Centers work to ensure that all individuals have access to quality health services. This investment will allow them to continue their efforts in serving residents who live in rural communities throughout Merced County and depend on these health centers."

"LCH is thrilled to have been awarded funding and support to open its first site in Stanislaus County after our 45 years of service based in Merced County," said Leslie McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Livingston Community Health. "We are proud to expand access to medical, dental and behavioral health services to the residents of Waterford and the surrounding communities."

"We appreciate the acknowledgement that there is a great need for access to healthcare in the community of Ceres," said Tony Weber, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Valley Health Centers. "We are honored to be given this award that will allow us to expand our organization and extend medical, dental, and behavioral health services to the residents of this area."

Community health centers provide a full range of primary, preventative care, and supportive services to an underserved population, including migrant and seasonal farm workers.