HHS Funds to Boost Health Centers' Quality
The health centers are receiving the funds based on high levels of performance in one or more of these categories: improving quality of care, advancing health equity, maintaining patient-centered medical home recognition, enhancing access to care, and delivering value.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing more than $100 million to 1,304 health centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories for quality improvement. Centers will use the money to expand their existing quality improvement systems and infrastructure and to improve primary care service delivery.
"Millions of Americans rely on health centers to provide them with quality health care," said Dr. Mary Wakefield, HHS acting deputy secretary. "These quality improvement awards will support health centers to continue to deliver superior health care that engages patients, improves care coordination, and bridges overall access to care."
The health centers are receiving the funds based on high levels of performance in one or more of these categories: improving quality of care, advancing health equity, maintaining patient-centered medical home recognition, enhancing access to care, and delivering value. The money comes from the Affordable Care Act's Community Health Center Fund. "Health centers are evaluated on a set of performance measures emphasizing health outcomes and the value of care delivered," explained Health Resources and Services Administration Acting Administrator Jim Macrae. "These measures provide a balanced, comprehensive look at services to manage conditions among the vulnerable populations served by health centers."
For a list of FY2016 Quality Improvement Awards recipients, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/qualityimprovement/fy16awards/.