This week, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., announced that the Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) will get $1.7 million in federal funds as part of the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package signed into law back in March.
“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,” Castor’s office noted.
“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 Castor on Tuesday. “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, the 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 recent years, TFHC has garnered some federal support including $3.4 million in funds in last year’s CARES Act. In February, TFHC was one of the first 250 health centers in the nation to be selected 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.”
