U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $94 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 271 health centers in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to improve and expand the delivery of substance abuse services in health centers, with a specific focus on treatment of opioid use disorders in underserved populations. Wisconsin health centers will receive over $1.7 million.
“The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States today,” said Secretary Burwell. “Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and integrating these services in health centers bolsters nationwide efforts to curb opioid misuse and abuse, supports approximately 124,000 new patients accessing substance use treatment for recovery and helps save lives.”
The Wisconsin Health Centers to receive these funds are listed below.
Organization Name City Award Amount
16th Street Community Health Center, Inc. Milwaukee $352,083
Family Health Center of Marshfield, Inc. Marshfield $406,250
Lakes Community Health Center, Inc., Iron River $325,000
Madison Community Health Center, Inc. Madison $325,000
Outreach Community Health Centers, Inc. Milwaukee $325,000
Steven Rush, WHA vice president for workforce and clinical practice, was pleased to learn of this large allocation of funds for Wisconsin.
“WHA has taken a strong leadership position with our Health Care Leaders Opioid Initiative, and these funds that support our communities strengthen the statewide efforts of our allies and partners,” Rush said.
To read the full press release, visit:
www.hhs.gov/about/news/2016/03/11/hhs-awards-94-million-to-health-centers.html. To learn more about the awardees, visit:
http://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/fundingopportunities/substanceabuse/fy16awards.html.