May 14, 2012

Rockefeller, Manchin Announce Grants for Health Centers Serving Mercer, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor Counties

Funding Will Help Provide Access to Health Care Services for Underserved and Rural Areas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced that three health centers serving Mercer, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties will receive a total of $2,402,210 in federal funding to help them continue providing comprehensive primary and preventive health care and social services to residents in those areas.

“Access to health care is essential for each and every West Virginian – and it is something that I have always fought so hard for.  Our health centers provide vital primary and preventive care services, which are extremely important to make sure people and families in our communities can access affordable care,” said Rockefeller.  “This funding will enable more West Virginians to receive quality treatment and make sure these health centers can continue to provide services and meet the needs of their communities. Our rural health centers are a safety net for so many families, and I’m glad they are receiving the support they need to make sure everyone can get the health care they deserve.”

“So many families in our state live in rural areas, where even getting to a doctor is a challenge,” Senator Manchin said. “Especially in underserved and rural areas, improving access to health care is a major priority for the people of West Virginia, and this grant will help our families do just that. It’s so important that our families can get the preventive and primary care that will keep them healthy.” 

Bluestone Health Association, Inc. in Princeton will receive $660,355; Clay Battelle Health Services Association in Blacksville will receive $624,836; and, Preston-Taylor Community Health Centers, Inc. in Grafton will receive $1,117,019 to continue providing essential comprehensive health care services to underserved areas and low income populations.

The federal funding was made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration.

###