PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    Contact: Whitney Hicks
Thursday, April 2, 2009                                                                          (202) 232-7356 x320
                                                                                                      whicks@communityofhopedc.org

Community of Hope Receives Stimulus Money

Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Friday, March 27, 2009 the release of $338 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to increase the services offered by the nation’s community health centers. 

A total of $1,731,651 was awarded to five health agencies in the District of Columbia, including Community of Hope (COH). Grantees will use this money to create/retain a projected 28 jobs, serve approximately 8,370 new patients including approximately 3,455 new uninsured patients.

Community of Hope Health Services’ two-year grant of $141,991 will be used to meet the increased demand for services due to the economic recession. Community of Hope will increase hours and access in order to serve new patients who are without insurance. In addition, COH will also increase case management services and expand its behavioral health services.

Community of Hope saw 3,249 patients in its medical practice and 1,105 patients in its dental clinic in 2008. Thanks to the money awarded by the Recovery Act, Community of Hope will be able to provide quality healthcare to 868 more underinsured and uninsured patients in DC and hire 2.4 full-time staff.

Executive Director Kelly Sweeney McShane says, “We were quite impressed with how quickly these stimulus funds were awarded, based on a clear application process. We had eight days to submit a proposal, and funds were awarded two weeks later. These two-year funds will allow Community of Hope both to serve new patients who have lost their insurance and need health care, as well as create new jobs.”

Click here to read the full HHS press release.

Please visit www.communityofhopedc.org for more information on Community of Hope’s important work serving the most vulnerable DC residents.

                                                                                    -end-

Community of Hope works to improve health and quality of life for low-income, homeless, and underserved families and individuals in the District of Columbia by providing healthcare, housing with supportive services, educational opportunities, and spiritual support.