WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, (both D-Md.), today praised the announcement of almost $15 million in federal funding to support the renovation, expansion and improvement of four Maryland community health centers, boosting their ability to care for additional patients and create jobs. Grantees estimate these awards will help them serve approximately 27,737 new patients in Maryland.

“Community health centers provide affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to millions of Americans who would otherwise go without essential health care,” said Senator Cardin. “This funding from the Affordable Care Act will help these centers serve thousands of new patients in Maryland, and create jobs in the process.  Thanks to these grants, Maryland’s community health centers will continue to improve health outcomes for low-income patients and provide important economic benefits to communities.”

“Community health centers provide an important safety net for the people who need it most,” Senator Mikulski said. “This is especially important in these economically-trying times when there is more need and fewer resources. These Affordable Care Act funds will help community health centers keep their doors open to make sure families have access to reliable health care in their own neighborhoods, while at the same time creating and sustaining good-paying jobs.”

Health centers improve the health of the nation’s underserved communities by ensuring access to primary health care services. They also support good jobs. Four Maryland community health centers, three in Baltimore and one in Salisbury, have been awarded grants.