Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today announced a $1.3 million grant for the Norwalk Community Health Center (NCHC) from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. According to NCHC, the grant is expected to enable the center to increase its services to an additional 6,000 patients over the next five years.  These dollars will also allow for an immediate, aggressive expansion of services and help facilitate a much-needed expansion.

“NCHC is thrilled to learn that President Obama's Recovery Plan will bring $1.3 million to support health care for Norwalk's neediest citizens,” said Lawrence Cross, Executive Director of NCHC.  “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Himes for his early and very effective work on our behalf and to the others in our congressional delegation who have worked with the Administration to make this possible.”

The grant is part of a national investment of $155 million to support 126 health centers. The investment will increase access to care for over 750,000 individuals—many with no health insurance—by helping them obtain access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care services. The grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration.

“We are extremely appreciative for the Congressman’s efforts to secure funding for the Community Health Center,” said Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia. “I am grateful to Congressman Himes for all the work he has done to serve our community during his short time in office and look forward to our continued work together.”

Last month, the Congressman toured NCHC the day after President Obama signed the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan into law. A photograph of the Congressman at the NCHC with Executive Director Larry Cross and Dr. Doctor Tom Ayoub is available upon request.

“The Norwalk Community Health Center will be able to provide quality, affordable health care for more local families because of the Recovery Act,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “Investing in local health care is a win all around: residents get better care, our hospitals become more efficient, and we create jobs.”

# # #

Congressman Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District, which includes the communities of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield,  Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Oxford, Redding, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stamford, Trumbull,  Weston, Westport, and Wilton.