Velázquez Announces Federal Grants for Health Care Centers

Brooklyn, New York –Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced that the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded grants to support two health centers in Brooklyn and Queens. Both these centers are Federally Qualified Health Centers which serve as safety nets that deliver comprehensive services in the community. ODA Primary Health Care Center has been awarded a grant of $1,673,257, and Floating Hospital Incorporated has been awarded a grant of $2,091,254.
 
“Ensuring that all patients have access to high quality health care should never be determined by financial status or where they live,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “I am proud that these grants will help further the tireless work of the doctors, nurses and staff who are working to provide quality care to New Yorkers with limited ability to afford it. I am thankful this funding will go to health centers like ODA Primary Health Care and The Floating Hospital, whose work positively impacts the lives of so many.”
 
This funding came from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Health Center Program, which provides operational grants to continue to provide access to comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services. HRSA-funded health centers integrate access to pharmacy, mental health, substance use disorder, and oral health services in areas where economic, geographic, or cultural barriers limit access to affordable health care.
 
"We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Velazquez's tireless efforts to support ODA's mission of ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for all. This award strengthens and protects continued access to health care services by promoting and expanding access to community-based, patient-centered health care services to meet the complex healthcare needs of medically underserved and vulnerable residents. The expansion of services enabled by this funding will mitigate disparities in health outcomes laid bare by the COVID-19 to improve health outcomes for area residents,” said Joseph Deutsch, CEO of ODA Primary Health Care Network.
 
“The dedicated work of Congresswoman Velázquez and her remarkable staff has made this important investment possible, and is so very much appreciated,” said Floating Hospital President Sean T. Granahan. “With these funds, The Floating Hospital will be better positioned to expand service at our newly renovated 41st Street main clinic, launch our optometry program for the Queensbridge and homeless family/safe house communities we serve, and assure a promising future for those newly arrived and struggling to find care,” said Sean T. Granahan, Esq., president of The Floating Hospital.

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