Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—April 24, 2014. Today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Greater Elgin Family Care Center (GEFCC) a $2,203,792 Health Center Cluster Grant. Duckworth informed Robert Tanner, President and CEO of GEFCC, about the news earlier in the day. The funding will allow the GEFCC to serve 3,053 additional patients and accommodate 10,486 more patient visits. The Greater Elgin Family Care Center already provides quality health care to more than 30,000 patients.
“I am proud and appreciative of the work that the Greater Elgin Family Care Center does for my neighbors,” said Duckworth. “Thousands of my constituents rely on the GEFCC and this grant will allow it to grow its contributions to our community. The taxpayers of Illinois contribute more than their fair share to the Federal government and I am pleased to see that crucial resources are coming back to the 8th District.”
Duckworth has requested increased funding for community health centers during the last two appropriations cycles and sent the following letter in support of the grant last year:
September 13, 2013
Robert M. Tanner c/o Greater Elgin Family Care Center 370 Summit Street Elgin, IL 60120Re: Greater Elgin Family Care Center’s Service Area Competition funding application
Dear Bob:
As the United States Congresswoman for the Illinois 8th District, I write this letter to express my full support for Section 330 Service Area Competition grant application submitted by the Greater Elgin Family Care Center (GEFCC).
My District has significant and continuing health care needs, health disparities and barriers to care. With GEFCC growing at a 3-year growth rate – 8 times the Illinois average for community health centers – it is clear that it must continue to receive the funding necessary to provide vital health services to the community.
Over the years, GEFCC has worked tirelessly to address access to quality, affordable health care amongst the area’s publicly insured, uninsured and underinsured residents. The recent expansions, including the Streamwood Community Health Center which I visited in August, have been most welcomed. The Streamwood Health Center provided over 15,000 appointments in the first 11 months, demonstrating considerable need in the communities it serves.
It is undeniable that the service areas of GEFCC are in need of their continued efforts. Therefore, I respectfully request the Greater Elgin Family Care Center’s Service Area Competition funding application receive a favorable decision.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Source: duckworth.house.gov
