Washington, D.C., Sep 27 - Today, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services awarded Project Vida an $800,001 federal grant for health assessment and prevention as well as health education for family and youth services.

Of the total amount, $800,001, $481,866 is made available through the Affordable Care Act, and the funds will be used for family and youth educational services. The second grant, for $318,135, will help Project Vida conduct health investigations and assessments with a focus on prevention.

"Some of the funds allocated today are made possible through the health care reform law, also known as the Affordable Care Act, and I am very proud to have supported this important legislation that is improving lives by ensuring access to quality and affordable health care for El Pasoans," Congressman Reyes said. "These grants will help Project Vida meet the growing health care needs of our community."

The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.