Recovery Act Funds Creating Jobs, Expanding Access to Health Care

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement of nearly $600 million in Recovery Act awards to support major construction and renovation projects at 85 community health centers nationwide. This program also creates jobs in low income communities and helps provide care for more than half a million additional patients in underserved communities.

“I strongly applaud today’s announcement by the White House to start major construction and renovation projects for community health centers nationwide. Community health centers are an essential component of our country’s safety net, providing a health care home to millions of Americans and generating billions in economic benefits each year, while removing barriers to access and providing quality, cost-effective care that reduces health disparities within our communities.

“This announcement further highlights that the Recovery Act is doing what it was designed to do, create jobs. Not only does this program create jobs in low income communities, but it helps provide care for more than half a million people in underserved communities. This is exactly what our economy needs. During the midst of health care reform, this program underscores the necessity to provide affordable accessible health care for every American and demonstrates how health care reform creates jobs.”

Community Health Centers in South Carolina receiving funding:

Beaufort-Jasper Comprehensive Health Services Inc.
Ridgeland, S.C.
Total: $7,912,493

Little River Medical Center Inc.
Little River, S.C.
Total: $5,523,205