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Health Law Brings $1.7 Million In Grants To KS Clinics

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Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Wednesday announced 1.7 million dollars in grants to three safety-net clinics in Kansas.

The grants were awarded to centers all over the US and were made possible through the Affordable Care Act, which expands community health centers.

Grant recipients in Kansas were Heartland Medical Clinic in Lawrence, Health Partnership Clinic in Overland Park and Health Ministries in Newton.

In a release Wednesday former Kansas Governor and Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius said the funds will ensure more Americans get the care they need and that health centers are well positioned to respond to the specific health needs in their communities.

Jessie Kaye, President and CEO of Prairie View, contracted manager of Health Ministries in Newton says they were anticipating an announcement Wednesday, but didn’t know if it would be good news or bad news. She says the more than half a million-dollars will allow Health Ministries to improve service.

“This funding will mean that we will be able to continue to increase the number of patients we serve every year, and we’ve been growing probably 20 to 25 percent a year,” says Kaye.

“And we will also be able to continue to expand our range of services.”

Kaye says they have immediate need in prenatal care and dental services, and that the organization will be adding additional employees including physicians.

Health Ministries serves uninsured, and unde-rinsured low-income individuals and families in Harvey, Marion, Mcpherson and Butler counties.