Cornyn announces NETPHD will get $600,000 in federal funding

AUSTIN- U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Monday North East Texas Public Health District in Tyler will receive $600,000 in federal funding and has gained Federally Qualified Health Clinic Status (FQHC). The funding and FQHC designation, which come through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will help the center to continue offering a wide range of preventive and primary health care services to medically underserved areas.

"Community health centers are an important way to increase access to health care and decrease costs," Sen. Cornyn said. "This funding will allow North East Texas Public Health District to expand current services and establish new ones for local patients. In addition, this center reduces the cost of health care by increasing access to non-emergency medical care and relieving the strain on emergency rooms."

The FQHC designation allows community health centers to qualify for federal funding, reduced physician's insurance, larger Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, and to participate in a low cost prescription drug program. The funding comes from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Consolidated Health Centers (CHCs) grant program, within HHS.

Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to HHS in support of this health center's application for FQHC designation and funding. Sen. Cornyn continues to help community health centers receive funding by working with them and HHS during the application process. He and his staff regularly meet with federal, state and local officials, as well as community leaders to highlight the importance of increasing the number of FQHCs in Texas.

"I have visited Federally Qualified Health Clinics across the state to see their effectiveness firsthand," Sen. Cornyn said. "I'll continue working to increase the number of these important clinics in Texas and ensure that existing centers receive the funding they need to serve Texans well."