HHS Provides Nearly $144 Million to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts in Underserved Communities

On July 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it was awarding nearly $144 million in American Rescue Plan funding to 102 HRSA Health Center Program look-alikes (LALs) to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and enhance health care services and infrastructure in communities across the country. LALs are community-based health care providers that provide essential primary health care services to underserved communities and vulnerable populations but do not otherwise receive HRSA Health Center Program funding.

These funds will support communities that rely on LALs for access to critical health care services and are often disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Using these funds, LALs will mitigate the spread of COVID-19, strengthen vaccination efforts, and enhance health care services and infrastructure in communities across the country. A list of Kentucky LALs receiving funds can be found here.