Community health centers in Worcester and Greenfield are receiving reinforcements for their vaccination programs thanks to the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.
On Thursday, Congressman Jim McGovern announced $12.9 million from the plan would be injected into two centers in Worcester and another in Greenfield.
Worcester’s Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center will receive $6.2 million – the most of the three. Family Health Center of Worcester will get $5 million. Greenfield’s Community Health Center of Franklin County will receive $1.6 million.
The health centers can use the funding to expand COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and treatment for vulnerable populations. Funding can also be used to deliver health care services to people at higher risk for COVID-19, which can include modifying or improving physical infrastructure or adding mobile units.
“Community health centers play a vital role when it comes to expanding justice and equity in our healthcare system, and that’s never been clearer than in the vital role they have played in responding to COVID-19,” McGovern said in a statement. “More help is on the way through the American Rescue Plan so they can redouble their efforts to get more shots in arms, support underserved and vulnerable populations that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and save more lives during this pandemic.”
The American Rescue Plan will invest $6 billion nationwide to expand access to vaccines in underserved communities. In Massachusetts, 37 community health centers will receive a total of $144,350,625 to bolster vaccine distribution.
Michael Bonner
MassLive
