Rep. Mike Thompson Announces Over Half a Million in Federal Funding for Anderson Valley Health Center

Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today announced that Anderson Valley Health Center in Boonville has received $541,667 in federal funding to expand access to quality health care. These funds, made available by the Affordable Care Act, will establish Anderson Valley Health Center as a federally-recognized health service delivery site (or, “access point”), allowing the Health Center to apply for annual federal funding and increased reimbursement.

“The Anderson Valley Health Center has been an outstanding provider of quality, affordable health care for over thirty-five years, and the access point designation recognizes that legacy,” said Rep. Thompson. “Many dedicated individuals were involved in the fight for this designation, and I want to thank the Center's health care professionals, administrators, and the surrounding community for their relentless support.”

Specifically, the new “access point” designation will allow the Anderson Valley Health Center to restore across-the-board salary cuts as well as hire new health care professionals. The federal funding will also expand nursing services in rural schools, particularly programs related to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. The designation will allow the Health Center to better provide comprehensive primary and preventative health care services to the Mendocino County community.

"On behalf of the Anderson Valley Health Center Board of Directors, I want to express how absolutely thrilled we are with this Federally Qualified Health Center designation and what it means for the continuing ‘health' of our community,” said Sandy Parker, Chair of the Anderson Valley Health Center Board of Directors. “We have been working diligently to keep health care services viable in our community and this news is tremendous and most appreciated!”

“Everyone connected with Anderson Valley Health Center is ecstatic about receiving the new Access Point grant and becoming a federally-recognized grantee,” added Judith Dolan, former Executive Director of the Anderson Valley Health Center. “This grant makes it possible for us to survive and thrive, add new services, and to continue to provide excellent and affordable care in our local community. I am grateful for all of the support from the Board of Directors, the AVHC staff, and the community.”

Community health centers work to improve the health of the nation's underserved communities and vulnerable populations by ensuring access to comprehensive, quality primary health care services. By maximizing the availability, access, and continuity of primary care services to the nation's neediest populations, these sites will play a critical role in improving the health care status of medically underserved and vulnerable populations and decreasing health disparities throughout the United States.