Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1 Million in Recovery Act Funding Coming to Two Health Centers in Western New York For Construction, Repair and Renovation Projects

Jun 29, 2009

Today, United States Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced a total of $1,095,875  in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding for two health care centers in Western New York as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Community Health Center of Buffalo will receive $535,880 and Northwest Buffalo Community Health Care Center will receive $559,995. The funding will be used to build new facilities, renovate existing structures, purchase cutting-edge equipment and implement electronic health records.

“This funding is just what the doctor ordered,” said Schumer. “These funds will ensure that Western New York continues to have the best health care facilities in the nation and it will provide an economic boost to the local economy by creating construction jobs. I am proud to have worked so hard to secure this essential funding to ensure that New Yorkers receive the world-class healthcare they deserve.”

“This is the right investment for Western New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal dollars will support job creation and provide critical updates for these medical centers so we can move forward on cutting edge research and new medical breakthroughs. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”

The Community Health Center of Buffalo works to provide healthcare to the underserved in a culturally sensitive environment. The received funding will be used to construct a new facility.

The Northwest Community Health Care Center provides ambulatory health care, wellness and related services to anyone, regardless of his or her inability to pay, residing in underserved areas of  Buffalo’s West Side. The Center also provides community members health education and promotes healthy lifestyles. The funding will be used for renovation and repairs.

The CIP grants will support the construction, repair and renovation of over 1,500 health center sites nationwide. More than 650 centers will use the funds to purchase new equipment or health information technology (HIT) systems, and nearly 400 centers will adopt or expand the use of electronic health records.