Health care groups in Caguas, Ponce receive $1.3M from U.S. Dept. of Health
MedCentro in Ponce is one of two local federal fund recipients.
Two local organizations, Corporación SANOS in Caguas and Consejo de Salud de Puerto Rico Inc. in Ponce, are receiving more than $1.3 million in combined funds from the U.S. Department of Health’s Affordable Care Act to expand their healthcare offerings to continue serving underprivileged communities.
The two local organizations are among 67 that will split a total of $28.8 million the federal agency is distributing nationwide.
“We are making an investment in the health of people and the health of our communities,” said Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “These awards demonstrate a commitment to improving and expanding access to quality health care for local communities. We are removing barriers that stand in the way of affordable and accessible primary health services.”
When broken down, Corporación SANOS will get $546,147 to continue developing its wellness programs in Caguas and neighboring towns.
Meanwhile, Consejo de Salud de Puerto Rico Inc., known as MedCentro, will get $819,333 to continue providing integrated primary health services in Ponce, where it has been operating since 1971. MedCentro serves some 58,000 patients along the island’s southern flank, according to its sitio web.
“It is fitting that these awards are announced as we celebrate National Health Center Week,” said U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration Chief Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. “These awardees join the 1,100 current health center grantees that provide affordable community-based primary care to more than 19 million people across the country.”
