Primary health care expanding in Coney Island thanks to federal funds

Lutheran Family Health Centers  (LHFC) will be opening a preventive and primary care health site in storm-ravaged Coney Island thanks to federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

LHFC is one of only two federally qualified health centers in the state to receive HHS funds to build new heath service delivery sites.

About $650,000 in funding will help LHFC provide comprehensive primary health care services in nine Coney Island public housing developments, which together form the largest public housing project in Brooklyn and house nearly 9,000 residents.

Due to Sandy, many residents still have limited access to primary care services and are also suffering from high rates of chronic medical conditions.

“We are very pleased to be able to respond to the health care needs of underserved areas in Brooklyn, particularly those who were devastated by Superstorm Sandy,” said Larry K. McReynolds, LFHC’s executive director. “It also means that HHS and Health Resources Services Administration recognize the high level of service our current health centers are providing and our mission to respond to issues of community need.”

In total, HHS allocated about $67 million to health centers across the country, including $19 million made available by the Affordable Care Act, to establish 32 new health service delivery sites nationwide.

“Health centers have a proven track record of success in providing high quality health care to those who need it most,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “New health center sites in some of the neediest communities in the country will provide access to health care for individuals and families who otherwise may have lacked access to high quality, affordable and comprehensive primary care services.”