A health clinic was helped in Massachusetts

Stimulus funds have helped to give a push to health clinic budgets in Massachusetts. Maura Smith could not hold back her tears upon hearing that the Lowell Health Center had been sanctioned $9.35 million – thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The health unit has been running for nearly four decades in Lowell. The city is plagued with the highest unemployment figure in the Massachusetts State – the reading being nearly 12%.

Lowell City is known for its diversity. 14% of its residents had been born in foreign lands. For many of these immigrants the health centre was the only place where they could turn to. In Massachusetts eight community health units that attend to the poorest localities will be getting $80 million in cash from the stimulus funds. With it will come about expansion of building and up gradation of technology.

The state has been awarded a sizable proportion from the stimulus funds. One out each 8 dollar meant for community clinics will go to Massachusetts. The state distinguishes itself to be the only one in USA that has compulsory health care for all. But the figures of the government show that the minorities are still being unable to access proper health care. They have to rely on the local units to visit a doctor.

Smith, the Director of Development and External Relations of the Lowell Community Health Center said, “In 2008, we saw 32,000 patients in our facility, a third of Lowell’s population, but we could see 10,000 to 12,000 more if we had more exam rooms and staff.”

This is what the funds will provide for Lowell Health Clinic – enable it to engage more persons and enlarge its facilities. The centre employs 290 persons but the $9.35 million will make it possible for ten more to be hired on a permanent basis for different posts and also generate 198 jobs in the construction sector.

Smith elaborated, “We have been applying for grants for the past 10 years to expand our building and hire more people, especially after the state’s universal health care law in 2006. But we haven’t been able to reach our $30 million project goal.” The money will cover only a third of the expenses estimated for a new building but Smith continues to nurse hopes after since the center managed to win the competitive grant it will not be difficult to secure other federal funds.

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