MT health centers benefit from Jobs-Stimulus Bill

Fifteen Montana community health centers will receive $6.7 million from the Jobs-Stimulus Bill, the offices of Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester reported Wednesday.

The following community health centers will receive money:

• Ashland Community Health Center – $293,820
• Bullhook Community Health Center in Havre – $332,110
• Butte-Silver Bow Helath Center – $784,170
• Cascade City-County Health Department in Great Falls – $438,020
• Central Montana Community Health Center in Lewistown – $251,610
• Commuinty Health Partners in Livingston – $559,295
• Custer County Community Health Center in Miles City – $268,657
• Flathead City-County Health Department in Kalispell – $241,438
• Glacier Community Health Center in Cut Bank – $336,625
• Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department in Helena – $469,345
• Lincoln County Community Health Cente in Libby – $435,220
• Missoula City-County Health Department – $571,545
• Montana Migrant Council in Billings – $433,855
• Sweet Medical Center in Chinook – $333,300
• Yellowstone City-County Health Department in Billings – $951,680

The money will be used to upgrade the health center facilites and purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment.

"This one-time Capital Improvement Program funding will support construction, renovation and equipment and health information technology systems," Allan Strange, CEO of the Montana Primary Care Association said. "These awards will help provide services to the many Montanans who have lost jobs or simply can't afford insurance coverage anymore."

The Jobs-Stimulus Bill is bringing more than $1 billion in new funding to Montana in addition to more than $500 million in middle class tax relief.