Tester Announces Over $1 Million for Community Health Centers in Billings, Libby, and Hardin

(U.S. Senate) – Senator Jon Tester announced today that community health centers in Yellowstone, Lincoln, and Bighorn Counties will receive over $1 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Health Center Cluster grant program.

“Community Health Centers are the backbone of strong, healthy, and thriving communities throughout Montana,” Tester said. “This funding will provide children, families, seniors and everyone in-between access to quality, affordable healthcare they can count on.”

The funding for these grants comes through the Community Health Center Fund, which was established by the Affordable Care Act.

The specific allocation of these awards is as follows:

• Yellowstone City/County Health Department and Riverstone Health – $350,000
• Lincoln County CHC and Northwest CHC – $350,000
• Bighorn Valley Health Center – $350,000

Tester has been a strong advocate for rural medicine and community health centers. He recently announced $1.5 million in funding for Cascade County’s Community Healthcare Center and $250,000 in funding for MSU’s Nurse Education Practice, Quality and Retention program, which aims to increase the number of nurses throughout Montana’s community health centers.