March 4, 2009

Dillingham Community Health Center Funded in Stimulus Bill

Community to receive $1.3 million over two years

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich announced today that the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation will receive $1.3 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for the Dillingham Community Health Center. The news comes as the White House announced the release of $155 million supporting 126 new health centers across the country.

"This additional funding for the Dillingham Community Health Center will have a major impact to the residents of the Bristol Bay region," Sen. Begich said. "This is great news, and it will allow the health center to better serve the thousands of Alaskans who rely on the medical services provided there."

According to the project description, the Dillingham Community Health Center provides comprehensive primary health care services to residents in the Bristol Bay area which has a population of more than 8,200 living in 34 villages.

The funding from the ARRA will be used to expand primary care services at the center, and is expected to create up to 15 new jobs.

"Improving health care and creating jobs are two important pieces to improving the quality of life in rural Alaska," Sen. Begich said. "Funding for the Dillingham Health Center is truly a win-win for the region and our state."

From a Senator Mark Begich press release