Rep. Susie Lee Announces Nevada Health Centers to Receive More Than $25 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for COVID-19 Response

LAS VEGAS – Today, Rep. Susie Lee announced that eight community health centers in Nevada will receive more than $25 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations. Among the Community Health Centers which will receive funding is First Person Care Clinic, which has a location in Henderson. The funding will be awarded beginning in April by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Health centers will be able to use the funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers' operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units. This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals in their efforts to expand vaccinations.

"Vaccinations are the key to crushing this virus and, in turn, getting our economy back on track," said Rep. Susie Lee. "This funding will help ensure that all communities have access to life-saving vaccines as soon as possible. I was proud to vote to pass the American Rescue Plan because we need big, bold action to help put this pandemic behind us. I'm glad to see that Nevada is already reaping the benefits and getting the funding we need to get more shots in arms."

"Every American should have the security of knowing they have access to quality, affordable health care, especially as we face a pandemic that has exposed the disparities facing rural, minority, and lower-income communities," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "The Biden Administration is committed to getting help to those who need it most, and the communities hit hardest by COVID-19 will benefit from these critical investments."

HRSA-funded health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations, including high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the country. Health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and 1 in 11 people nationwide. More than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and nearly 63% are racial or ethnic minorities.

For detailed information on how this funding is being distributed to health centers, including an interactive map of which health centers will receive funding, please visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/american-rescue-plan/awards.

For information on ensuring equity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, visit: https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavirus/health-center-program