Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel announced that the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center was awarded a $2,500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This money was made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Rep. Engel said, “This money will not only help the people of Mt. Vernon to get better health care, it will also help our country’s economic health in recovering from our deepening recession. As changes to our broken health care system are considered in Washington, I am pleased to help reward those entities who are currently bringing quality care to New Yorkers. Once reforms are made, I am certain that quality of care will continue, and in fact be enhanced.”

Rep. Engel is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health. In March, he was awarded the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) 2009 Distinguished Community Health Superhero Award. The money is part of a total package of $851 million in grants to address immediate and pressing health center facility and equipment needs, and will increase access to health care for millions of Americans.

The 11-term Congressman said Health Centers provide community-run services to all, regardless of their ability to pay. “At a time when health care costs have dramatically increased across the country, health centers have kept their costs well under those of other health care providers. In addition, research has shown that health centers actually save the health system money, and that their patients see better results and fewer hospital emergency rooms.”

The Health Center was established in 1973 and provides services to approximately 110,000 registered patients, giving comprehensive quality medical and dental care. It also provides free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes and other medical issues. “How excited and pleased I am that once again Congressman Eliot Engel has delivered much-needed funds for his constituents. The news that he was able to secure additional funding for our health centers in Mount Vernon, Yonkers and Greenburgh/White Plains means that we can continue to provide the much-needed comprehensive health care services to the increasing numbers of individuals and families registering for services. It is really tragic that once-independent families who have lost jobs, homes and health insurance now join the ranks of unemployed and uninsured. Our mission of providing health care services to all patients regardless of income or ability to pay with dignity and respect for each individual can continue with such assistance as received from our Congressman. Thank you, Congressman Engel,” said Carole Morris, founder and Chief Executive Officer for Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, Inc.