New Funding for Health Centers

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the availability of $250 million to fund "new access points" for the delivery of health care services. Awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and funded through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, these two-year grants are expected to fund approximately 350 clinics in fiscal year 2011. The deadline for submission is November 17, 2010.

According to the NOFA, a new access point is a "full time service delivery site for the provision of comprehensive primary and preventative health care services that will improve the health status and decrease health disparities of medically underserved and vulnerable populations." For the purposes of the grant, "health centers" refers to the various health centers defined in the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, e.g. community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless, and public housing primary care. Applicants may also propose to establish a school-based health center as a new access point.

In their proposal, aapplicants must demonstrate a high level of need in their community/population, a sound plan to meet this need that is responsive to the health care environment, and a readiness to rapidly implement the proposal. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the the new access point will increase access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services and improve the health status of underserved and vulnerable populations in the area to be served.  Eligible organizations include public or nonprofit private entities, including tribal, faith based and community based organizations. Current HRSA grantees may apply as well.

The New Access Points funding opportunity has been added to CSSP's Affordable Care Act Funding Opportunities database.