Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that the Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) has been awarded $1,700,386 through the FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Capital Improvements Award, the second largest grant in the State of Florida. This initiative provides health centers funding for COVID-19-related capital needs, constructing new facilities, renovating and expanding existing facilities to enhance response to pandemics, and purchasing new state-of-the-art equipment, including telehealth technology, mobile medical vans, and freezers to store vaccines.

“The health heroes at Tampa Family Health Centers have provided excellent care and critical services, including Covid19 vaccinations, to our neighbors throughout the pandemic,” said Rep. Castor. “This American Rescue Plan award will allow them to continue to expand their top-of-the-line health services across the Tampa Bay community, including a new center for pediatrics north of Carrollwood in Lutz. From drive-thru vaccinations and testing to telehealth services, Tampa Family Health Centers has adapted to this moment and ensured that the health needs of our diverse community have been met. I join my neighbors in our gratitude for TFHC’s continued service to keeping Floridians healthy and safe, and will continue my work to secure federal resources and investments for Tampa in the days ahead.”

“This $1.7 million dollar grant will allow TFHC to build a new stand-alone pediatric and pediatric dental office targeting our youth population. These funds will also allow TFHC to enhance an existing building to include traditional behavioral health to increase access to care.”, said Sherry Hoback, President and CEO of Tampa Family Health Centers. “As a patient centered medical home providing healthcare to our community for over 37 years, it is essential to continue to bring the most advanced systems and cutting-edge care to our patients. “

In February 2021, Rep. Castor announced that Tampa Family Health Centers was one of an initial 250 health centers across the country to directly receive vaccines through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program in order to increase vaccinations for marginalized and disproportionately affected populations. Rep. Castor announced a $3.4M grant for TFHC through the CARES Act in April 2020.

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the fourth Covid19 aid package passed by Congress and signed into law, was enacted on March 11, 2021.