Four Idaho health centers will pick up some cash today from the federal government. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department is giving more than $9.5 million dollars to build and expand health centers. The hope is to help serve 16-thousand new patients.
Terry Reilly Health Services gets the biggest grant, more than $5-million dollars. Terry Reilly is not a free clinic, but offers medical and dental services on a sliding scale. They serve more than 30-thousand people a year in the Treasure Valley. Family Health Services in Twin Falls, the Glenns Ferry Health Center, and Upper Valley Community Health in Saint Anthony will also get some of the money.
The grants come in two types. One will help expand facilities and serve more patients. The other will help health centers with facility and equipment needs. The money comes from the new federal Affordable Care Act.
The government is giving more than $700-million dollars for renovation and construction projects at health centers around the country.
