Dick Durbin
Dick Durbin

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $11.7 million in funding to community health centers across Illinois, Sen. Dick Durbin announced Friday.

The money is available through the Affordable Care Act. It will be used to hire additional health care workers, hire new care providers, and allow the facilities to stay open for longer hours.

Durbin said the community health centers serve an important purpose for Illinois families. He said with the federal resources Illinois health centers can “continue to improve the care and critical services they offer those in need throughout the state.”

Durbin said the grants will support 78,815 new patients and expand outreach and enrollment assistance efforts as more Illinois residents are able to take advantage of coverage through the health care reform law.
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