Stimulus funding coming for health clinics

Ukiah Daily Journal

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley) announced that four clinics in Mendocino County will be able to repair and renovate their facilities using nearly $2.4 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The clinics in Mendocino County are part of the 1,500 clinics nationwide that will receive this funding.

"I've said all along that investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways that we can strengthen our communities, create jobs, and position ourselves for long term growth," said Congressman Thompson. "Infrastructure is more than just roads and bridges- health clinics are also part of the foundation of our community. During these difficult times, a little help goes a long way to create jobs and upgrade our community health facilities."

Mendocino Community Health Clinic (MCHC) in Ukiah will receive the largest amount of funding. The $1 million in funds will be used to build an expanded facility for the Care for Her Women's Health Center at MCHC's Hillside Health Center in Ukiah, California. Construction of the two-story addition will begin in August 2009, and will employ approximately 20 local construction workers. In its new facility, Care for Her will have the capacity to provide comprehensive peri-natal and gynecological services for over 600 women per year.

Mendocino Coast Clinics in Fort Bragg will receive almost $500,000 in stimulus funding for capital improvements.

"Mendocino Coast Clinics is thrilled to have these federal funds to make much needed repairs on our Sequoia Circle facility, especially since we had a leaky roof this spring," said Paula Cohen, Executive Director. "It is a bit frustrating to have money for building renovations at the same time the state is ripping our services apart with funding cuts. So, our need for community support for operations is greater than ever," she added.

Long Valley Health Center was awarded $365,290 in Federal Recovery Act funds which will be used to repair and improve the facilities with the overall goals of stabilizing operations and maintaining quality of care to its patients. The centerpiece of this project will be the installation of a 38KW Solar Photo- Voltaic system which will supply all of the electricity used by the main medical facility over the 30 year life ofthe system. The funding will also pay for the renovation of five medical exam rooms and two dental operatories as well as the purchase of several urgently needed pieces of medical and dental equipment used during patient visits.

Redwood Coast Medical Services will also receive funding from the stimulus. The clinic in Gualala will receive over $435,000 for capital improvements.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a comprehensive economic recovery package designed to jumpstart the economy, provide tax benefits for families and small businesses, and invest in infrastructure and innovation. Developed with the Obama Administration, this package will create an estimated 3.5 million new jobs, give 95 percent of working families an immediate tax cut, shore up the nation's aging infrastructure and help our country shift to green energy technology.