WASHINGTON — Three health centers in West Virginia will receive federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
The funding — which comes through the administration's Health Center Program — will support continued operations of these centers to provide primary and preventive care to West Virginians.
The three centers will receive a combined total of more than $5.4 million. The centers and their funding amounts are:
— Bluestone Health Association, Inc.: $2.31 million
— Preston Taylor Community Health Center: $1.96 million
— Clay-Battelle Health Services Association: $1.17 million
U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., jointly announced the funding Thursday. Both serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Capito said health centers serve a "critical role" in the state's health care system.
“(Health centers) ensure that no matter where someone chooses to live, every West Virginian has access to primary health care services that can help prevent bigger health problems down the road," she said. "I have been a strong supporter of the Health Center Program through my role on the Appropriations Committee, and I will continue to fight for programs that help keep West Virginians healthy.”
Manchin similarly spoke to the benefits of health centers providing access to health care, particularly for more rural areas like those found in West Virginia.
“Community health centers are one of the most important ways to deliver health care because of their ability to serve West Virginians where they live, like in the rural communities of our state," Manchin said. "Whether you are in the city of Charleston or the mountains of Pendleton County, I believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare. These health centers are so incredibly valuable to a state like West Virginia, which is why I always have and will continue to fight for affordable and accessible health care.”