Courtney Announces Over $6.8 Million In American Rescue Plan Funding To Expand Access To COVID-19 Vaccines Across New London And Windham Counties

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) today announced the award of federal grants totaling more than $6,800,000 to two eastern Connecticut health centers that serve patients throughout New London and Windham Counties. The grants were awarded to United Community and Family Services in Norwich and to Generations Family Health Center, Inc. in Willimantic, and both were issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) following enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act (H.R. 1319).

"Two weeks ago when the American Rescue Plan was signed into law, the most important provision was funding to accelerate COVID vaccinations," said Congressman Courtney. "Reaching herd immunity faster than COVID's spread is key to normalcy and recovery. This new funding for expanded vaccinations goes to straight the heart of eastern Connecticut's ability to safely reopen activities of daily living, to keep our recovery going stronger and stronger, and to get life back to normal. UCFS and Generations operate high-quality, trusted medical clinics who have been on the front lines of this pandemic from the start, testing local residents in particularly harder to reach, more vulnerable populations. This American Rescue Plan Act funding will take our region's vaccination enterprise to a new, higher level and finally quash the virus."

A federal grant of $3,515,125 will be awarded to Generations Family Health Center in Willimantic, and a federal grant of $3,353,500 will be awarded to United Community and Family Services in Norwich. The funding was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, and was awarded through the HHS Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) specifically to expand COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and treatment; to deliver preventative and primary health care services to people at-risk for COVID-19; and to expand health centers' operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including by modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units.

The American Rescue Plan Act originated in the House of Representatives. Rep. Courtney voted to pass the relief measure on March 10th, and the bill was signed into law by President Biden on March 11th. Click here to read more about how the American Rescue Plan expands access to COVID-19 vaccines, protects health care for vulnerable Americans, and more.

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