3 Ohio health centers get money to expand

Three Ohio community health centers will receive a combined $15.3 million in federal funds to renovate or start new construction to meet growing patient demands.

Family Healthcare in Chillicothe will receive $2.6 million, Lorain County Health and Dentistry will get $6.6 million and Rocking Horse Center in Springfield will receive $6 million.

These centers are among 143 nationwide to receive a combined $727 million provided under the federal health reform law.

About 7,900 community health centers nationwide serve nearly 19 million patients, of which 40 percent are uninsured.

There are more than 160 community health centers in Ohio that provided care to 475,000 patients last year. Patients are charged based on a sliding scale. “Community Health Centers provide quality health care services to Americans across the country but are a life line for those who have lost coverage or are between jobs," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The newly constructed or expanded community health centers will provide care to an additional 745,000 patients."

To read more about this funding and view a complete list of community health centers receiving money, click here.