The following statement was released on Friday, Aug. 12, by Chris Allen, Executive Director and CEO of the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.
On August 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced funding for 67 new community health centers throughout the country as part of the Affordable Care Act. Despite 25 applications for new access points made by community health organizations in Michigan – nine from Wayne County – none received HHS funding. California received 20.
No state economy has been hit harder than Michigan in recent years, and no urban area is suffering more than Detroit and Wayne County. Yet HHS has overlooked the health disparities and inequity in this region. We find this unacceptable and inconsistent with the philosophy of health reform.
The applications made in Wayne County were based on a study conducted with the Michigan Primary Care Association to determine the need and location of new community health centers and prepared by skilled grant writers. The philanthropic community generously contributed $330,000 to support grant writing on behalf of local applicants.
The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority will work with the Michigan Primary Care Association, other health organizations, and elected officials, to seek recourse in this ill-advised action.
Our community deserves better judgment by our government.
For details on the HHS announcement go to www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/08/20110809a.html