Feds earmark $1.2 million for Maine health care initiatives

More than $1.2 million in federal money was allocated for affordable health care programs across Maine.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King announced Friday that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1,021,441 to the Maine Primary Care Association, to strengthen health centers. MPCA represents Maine’s Community Health Centers, which provide primary and preventive medical, behavioral, and dental services for one in six Mainers.

“For more than 35 years, MPCA has worked to strengthen Maine health centers and provide high-quality, affordable health care to Mainers across the state,” Collins and King said in a joint statement. “This investment will continue to provide critical support for these facilities and help ensure people throughout Maine receive care they deserve.”

Separately, Collins and King said $200,000 in Health and Human Services funding has been allocated to the Aroostook County Action Program. Funding is allocated through the Health and Human Services’ Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program.

“For nearly half a century, ACAP has helped keep Aroostook County healthy by connecting families and individuals with health and nutrition programs,” Collins and King said in a joint statement.

The Aroostook County Action Program, which was founded in 1972, has provides county residents with services and resources that help individuals and families achieve greater economic independence. It provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs in the areas of community health, early childhood care and education, energy and housing, and workforce development services.