PROVIDENCE – Eight Rhode Island community health centers will receive more than $2 million in federal funding to boost vaccination efforts among underserved communities.
Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Reps. James Langevin, D-R.I., and David Cicilline, D-R.I., recently announced the federal funding, which will total $2.1 million.
“It is important that we continue to boost vaccine delivery and increase access while giving folks more chances to protect themselves against COVID-19,” Reed said. “This injection of federal funding will help Rhode Island’s community health centers deliver more vaccinations to some of our state’s most vulnerable residents.”
The funding comes from a new $350 million initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration, which aims to increase vaccination rates for COVID-19 in underserved populations.
“Rhode Island has long led the way in vaccinations, and we want to keep building on that progress in the new year,” Whitehouse said. “We are pleased to deliver funding to get more shots in arms through local community health centers, which have done extraordinary work throughout the pandemic to keep Rhode Islanders healthy.”
The community health centers in Rhode Island set to receive federal funds include:
- Providence Community Health Centers Inc. in Providence: $576,832
- Thundermist Health Center in Woonsocket: $517,522
- Blackstone Valley Community Health Care Inc. in Pawtucket: $229,180
- Comprehensive Community Action Program in Cranston: $205,879
- Northwest Community Health Center in Burrillville: $195,313
- East Bay Community Action Program in Newport: $137,299
- Tri-County Community Action Agency in Johnston: $112,513
- Wood River Health Services Inc. in Hopkinton: $112,126
In 2021, these health centers served more than 180,000 Rhode Islanders.
“As we enter this new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critically important to make sure that our most vulnerable populations are able to access up-to-date vaccines,” Langevin said. “I look forward to this federal funding being distributed to community health centers across our state so that all Rhode Islanders can stay safe and healthy this winter.”
“Community health centers are a key resource for Rhode Island’s underserved communities and this funding will help ensure that all of our neighbors have access to and knowledge about COVID-19 booster vaccines,” Cicilline said. “As we contend with an increase in winter illnesses – including the flu, RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] and COVID-19 – it’s vital that every Rhode Islander has the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Claudia Chiappa is a PBN staff writer. You may contact her at Chiappa@PBN.com.
