Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) announced that Tampa Family Health Centers and Community Health Centers of Pinellas, Inc. have secured a combined $1.2 million of the $5 million coming to Florida from the U.S. Health & Human Services Department.

“This area is a national leader in expanding access to neighborhood-based health centers. Our local community health centers provide vital primary and dental care services. They furnish community-based preventative care with a sensitivity to our diverse neighborhoods,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.

Today’s announcement is part of a national investment of $101 million to increase access to health care services for nearly 650,000 patients. Tampa Family Health Centers will receive $510,583 and Community Health Centers of Pinellas, Inc. will receive $691,667.

“This award will help open a new center that will involve an innovative model for healthcare delivery,” Charlie Bottoms, CEO of Tampa Family Health Centers, said. “We are grateful to expand care to more Hillsborough County residents and we will do our best to use this opportunity to the greatest benefit possible.”

Tampa Family Health Centers operates 15 locations. In 2014, Tampa Family Health Centers provided more than 230,000 medical and dental visits to 77,000 patients. Since 2009, federal grants totaling more than $23 million have helped Tampa Family Health Centers double number of its locations, create local jobs, improve community health care services.

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