The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award nearly $1.9 million to 30 Community Health Centers (CHCs) in Oregon, including $51,324 for the Asher Community Health Center in Fossil.
The funds will be used to help the clinic to fight the Coronavirus.
The funding was allocated from the first COVID-19 emergency supplemental funding package Congress passed in early March and builds on the nearly $7.8 million the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded to the state of Oregon in early March.
The Asher Clinic in Fossil is one of three community health centers in central and eastern Oregon to receive funding. The Columbia River Community Health Services in Boardman received $55,087 and Mosaic Medical in Prineville received $69,058.
Oregon Congressman Greg Walden believes that the funding is coming at a crucial time as Eastern Oregon prepares for COVID-19 cases. “Community Health Centers serve more than 240,000 Oregonians in the Second District. They play a critical role in ensuring that patients have access to health care in their community, especially during this pandemic.”
Asher Clinic CEO Joy Anderson says that “Our medical providers as well as our Board of Directors are key in the decisions made for this very valuable grant and plans are in process for those funds.” Mrs. Anderson says that no plans have been finalized and that they are working with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). “ These funds will help these health centers provide screening and testing for COVID-19, medical supplies, and telehealth services. I will continue my efforts to ensure our state and nation receive the necessary support as we work to combat this deadly virus,” said Walden.