The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $727 million to 143 community health centers across the country to address pressing construction and renovation needs and expand access to quality healthcare. The funds are the first in a series of awards that will be made available to community health centers under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Community health centers deliver preventive and primary care services to nearly 19 million patients, about 40 percent of whom have no health insurance. More than 7,900 service delivery sites around the U.S. provide care to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income, according to HHS.

The Capital Development program grants, administered by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), build on the more than $2 billion investment in community health centers in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). A state-by-state list of ARRA investments in community health centers is available here. 

During the next five years, the PPACA provides $11 billion in funding for the operation, expansion and construction of community health centers across the country. This expansion of sites and services will help community health centers to serve nearly double the number of patients receiving care, regardless of their insurance status.

For more information on HRSA’s community health center program, click here.