Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), joined President Barack Obama at the White House Wednesday to announce nearly $600 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to support community health centers nationwide. Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx will receive a federal grant of $795,000. The Children’s Health Fund is partnered with Montefiore on this grant.

The vast majority of the funds are targeted to repair, rebuild or replace the approved centers, which serve 17 million patients nationwide. In addition, a portion will go to help facilities transfer their medical records to electronic format and to update their technologies. The funds are expected not only to create new jobs in construction and health care, but also to help provide care for more than 500,000 additional patients in underserved communities. President Obama also announced a new home demonstration initiative to support the delivery of advanced primary care to elderly and disabled Medicare patients through community health centers.

“The priorities announced today by the President address some of the greatest needs facing our nation. These funds for our community health centers will improve the quality of care for our citizens and pay for key jobs. Additional funding for Montefiore will help its outstanding personnel to continue providing essential health care to Bronx residents,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health. “I am proud to play a part in helping Montefiore receive the resources to continue serving our community well into the future.”

"We thank Congressman Engel and the entire Bronx Congressional delegation, Jose Serrano and Joseph Crowley for their support in securing these very necessary funds for Montefiore and the Children's Health Fund. A vibrant network of community health centers is essential for us to meet one of our major initiatives, improving the health of the communities we serve," said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO, Montefiore Medical Center.

“For over 20 years Montefiore Medical Center and Children's Health Fund have partnered to bring critically needed health care services to the most vulnerable children and families in the South Bronx, one of the nation's poorest communities. This federal support will allow us to develop another innovative program serving the health care needs of mothers and children. We applaud the leadership of Representatives Jose Serrano, Eliot Engel, and Joseph Crowley who have long championed the interests of the children of the Bronx, and their work in directing these vital resources," said Irwin Redlener, MD, president, Children's Health Fund.