Rep. Costa Announces $2,526,704 Coming To Kern County To Improve Community Health Centers

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Bakersfield) announced that a total of $2,526,704 has been released to two community health care centers in Kern County.  These funds are being awarded through the Department of Health and Human Services and were made available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Improving our Valley’s community health care centers is a very wise use of stimulus package funding,” said Costa.  “Health centers are an essential source of primary healthcare for many of the Valley’s families, especially low-income residents. Without these centers, many of our residents are forced to rely upon more costly emergency room treatment for regular medical treatment. These grants preserve the health of Valley families and save taxpayers more in the long run.  I am very happy for these centers in Kern County.”

National Health Services, Inc. in Shafter will receive $707,903, and Clinica Sierra Vista in Bakersfield will receive $1,818,801.

Funds can be used by these health care centers to expand services by adding new providers, expanding hours of operation or expanding services.  Each grantee submitted a detailed plan to the Department of Health and Human Services of how these funds would be used at their center.