WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that two local community health centers are recipients of federal grants to help build, expand, and improve services in California’s Sixth District.

Santa Rosa Community Health Centers was awarded $2.78 million and West County Health Centers (WCHC) is the recipient of $492,200. These grants are part of more than $728 million in funding announced today for 398 renovation and construction projects around the country. 

Rep. Lynn Woolsey, a strong supporter of community health centers, applauded the grant.

“I gladly supported and advocated for these applications, and I am proud that our outstanding community health centers are receiving recognition for the top-notch services they provide.  This investment is yet another example of the Affordable Care Act making a powerful, positive difference in the lives of North Bay residents and people around the country,” Rep. Woolsey said.  “These federal dollars will go a long way toward making our local health care delivery system even stronger and ensuring that our neighbors have access to the best possible medical care.”

Both the Santa Rosa Community Health Centers and the WCHC are part of the Redwood Community Health Coalition, a network of federally qualified health centers in the North Bay.  The Santa Rosa Community Health Centers will use the funds for new dental chairs at their practice.

“Santa Rosa Community Health Centers is thrilled to have the federal resources to open a dental clinic in Santa Rosa,” said Naomi Fuchs, CEO of the Santa Rosa Community Health Centers.  “More than half of our patients have never seen a dentist; the new dental clinic will make it possible for them to get the care they need and deserve to have a healthy productive life.”

WCHC will be making much needed facility improvements at two of their clinic sites, including installing solar panels and making ADA improvements.

“WCHC is thrilled to receive Affordable Care Act funding to renovate our Russian River Health Center facility. The grant will support building renovations at the Russian River Center and improve accessibility for clients in the Dental and Mental Health Clinic,” said Mary Szecsey, Executive Director of WCHC.

Rep. Lynn Woolsey supported the Affordable Care Act, which passed Congress in 2010 and has provided millions of dollars to projects in Marin and Sonoma counties.