Sinema, Kelly Secure $135.4 Million for Arizona Health Centers

Senators helped shape and pass new COVID-relief law providing critical funds to 23 Arizona health centers

WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly secured $135.4 million in the recently passed COVID-relief law for 23 Arizona health centers.
 
“Strengthening Arizona’s public health response will help us beat the coronavirus more quickly and fuel a full economic recovery. The COVID-relief we secured for Arizona health centers expands vaccinations and testing, and provides critical support for primary health care providers saving Arizonans’ lives,” said Sinema.
 
“Arizona’s Community Health Centers have been central to the fight against COVID-19 because they’re trusted and accessible to Arizonans in their neighborhoods and communities. These additional funds coming from the COVID-19 relief package will boost efforts to care for and vaccinate underserved and rural areas in every corner of Arizona as we work together to beat this virus and rebuild our economy,” said Kelly
 
“As the largest primary care organization in Cochise County, we have been working tirelessly to reach all corners of our service area to treat Arizonans with COVID-19 and administer vaccines. These new funds will allow us to dramatically expand our work to vaccinate all those in Cochise County who desire to be tested, treated and/or vaccinated for COVID-19. We are tremendously grateful for the work that Senators Kelly and Sinema have done to secure these resources for Cochise County and their continued support of Community Health Centers,” said Dr. Jonathan Melk, Chiricahua Community Health Centers
 
“North Country HealthCare is proud to be part of the national network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) directly responding to COVID-19. FQHCs reach vulnerable populations.  For North Country, that means the homebound, those experiencing homelessness, and those who live far from major metropolitan centers throughout northern Arizona. Because FQHCs are embedded in the communities we serve, we are able to answer community questions and ease vaccination fears. We are all in this together. North Country appreciates Senator Kelly and Senator Sinema’s support for these additional funds and the President’s confidence in us and our colleagues to provide COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, care, and education at this most difficult time. We look forward to expanding our healthcare workforce so that everyone has access to high-quality primary care, clinical pharmacy, dental services, and behavioral health in an atmosphere of dignity and respect,” said Dr. Anne Newland, North Country HealthCare
 
“A huge thank you to Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Kyrsten Sinema for their support of the American Rescue Plan. Valle del Sol is honored to be one of the recipients of these dollars to expand our reach in some of the communities hardest hit by Covid-19. Thank you, Congress, for investing in the health care of Arizonans,” said Carmen Heredia, CEO at Valle del Sol 
 
These COVID-relief funds secured by Sinema and Kelly will expand COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations in Arizona. Additionally, the relief will deliver preventive and primary health care services to Arizonans at higher risk for COVID-19 and expand operational capacity at Arizona health centers during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding more mobile units.
 
Breakdown of Arizona health center recipients of COVID-relief funds: