The Healey-Driscoll Administration unveiled a generous $20 million grant initiative today, with the sum earmarked for Massachusetts community health centers or CHCs. This move, a part of the state’s Community Health Center Capital Investment Grant Program, aims to assist the CHCs in tackling the profound interplay between climate change and public health.
Focused on Health and Climate Resilience
Healey-Driscoll’s commitment to Massachusetts Health Centers is crystal clear. They intend these grants to enhance health care quality while also addressing pressing climate issues. Notably, the funding will support projects centered on climate adaptation, resilience, and mitigation strategies. Consequently, these projects will ensure technology and facility advancements, ensuring better patient access and elevated standards of care.
Governor Maura Healey asserted, “Our administration is committed to making sure that people can get high-quality health care where and when they need it. These grants are only the beginning of our efforts to ensure that community health centers have the support they need to continue to be at the forefront of addressing the interconnection of climate change and health outcomes.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll added, “We are excited that these awards not only support physical investments for the CHC, but they are also investments in the people they serve. The health of all of our communities benefit when CHCs can serve more people and become more energy efficient.”
The Indispensable Role of Community Health Centers
Over a million Massachusetts residents, particularly from underserved communities, rely on Community Health Centers for health care. Additionally, these centers are instrumental in catering to MassHealth members, diminishing health discrepancies, and ensuring continuous insurance coverage. The services they offer range from basic health care to mental health and substance use disorder support.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh emphasized the dual benefits of the program, stating, “Not only do these community health centers provide critical care to families and individuals that would otherwise have limited access to services, but these climate resilience projects also reflect the CHC’s commitment to healthy communities.”
Assistant Secretary Mike Levine concurred, praising CHCs for their recognition of climate change’s significant effect on public health.
Grant Recipients and Their Projects
The following Massachusetts Community Health Centers have each been awarded $5 million for their noteworthy initiatives:
- Brockton Neighborhood Health Center: This center plans to expand its range of services, including its harm reduction clinic, vision care, and primary care for adults. Funds will also aid in updating their heat pumps to more energy-efficient models.
- Community Health Center of Cape Cod: A brand-new LEED silver-certified location will soon cater to patients on the Cape. In addition, this establishment will include low-income housing units, proving beneficial to the local community and workforce.
- East Boston Neighborhood Health Center: This center aims to amplify its current facility while focusing on enhancing climate resilience. Their site will not only be LEED certified but will also feature solar panels and rainwater capture systems.
- Greater Lawrence Family Health Center: Set to broaden their existing location, this center will enhance services such as their harm reduction clinic, dental facilities, and on-site pharmacy. Solar panels and storage will be integrated to promote cleaner energy in the community.
Michael Curry, President of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, stressed the importance of the initiative, “With primary care access at a crisis level, it is critical that we continue to grow the state’s primary care capacity, especially in our most underserved communities. This initiative takes short-term funding and invests it in capital improvements at health centers that will yield a return on investment in improved health and lower costs for decades. We are grateful to the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll administration for their foresight in making this high-impact investment in our state’s future.”
Response from Massachusetts Community Health Centers
Numerous community leaders have expressed their gratitude and plans for the grant. Sue Joss, CEO of Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, emphasized the urgency of their expansion due to increasing patient demand. Karen Gardner, CEO at Community Health Center of Cape Cod, highlighted their goal of broadening access for thousands.
Furthermore, Guy L. Fish, President of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, lauded the holistic care approach the grant will allow, ensuring better outcomes for patients with substance use disorders.
Funding Origins
It’s noteworthy that this grant derives from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Additionally, this is in tandem with the earlier $50 million distributed across 35 CHCs for capital improvement projects.
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