Congressman Gonzalez Announces $13.4 Million for Health Centers in TX-15 to Combat COVID-19

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced $9,321,250 for Nuestra Clinica in San Juan, Texas and $4,099,500 for Atacosa Health Center in Pleasanton, Texas as part of the American Rescue Plan Act funding to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines to the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities across the country. The funding will be awarded beginning in April by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

This recent funding action comes as part of President Biden's continued efforts to ensure equity is at the center of the Administration's COVID-19 response, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing a series of actions to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines to the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities across the country.

"I am proud to have supported the American Rescue Plan because it is the bold approach we need to expand access to vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 to those most impacted by this terrible disease," said Congressman Gonzalez. "I will continue to work to secure resources and funds for the 15th District of Texas to defeat this pandemic and reinvigorate our economy."

"Every American should have the security of knowing they have access to quality, affordable health care, especially as we face a pandemic that has exposed the disparities facing rural, minority, and lower-income communities," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "The Biden Administration is committed to getting help to those who need it most, and the communities hit hardest by COVID-19 will benefit from these critical investments."

HRSA-funded health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations, including high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the country. Health centers serve 1 in 5 people living in rural communities, and 1 in 11 people nationwide. More than 91% of health center patients are individuals or families living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and nearly 63% are racial or ethnic minorities.

For detailed information on how this funding is being distributed to health centers, including an interactive map of which health centers will receive funding, please visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/american-rescue-plan/awards.

For information on ensuring equity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, visit: https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavirus/health-center-program