The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday announced $102 million in New Access Points awards through the Health Resources and Services Administration to expand the Health Center Program.
The awards mark the first major expansion of the Health Center Program since the first Trump Administration in 2019. The announcement was made at Castle Family Health Center in Atwater, California.
Details of the Investment
According to the official HHS press release, the investment will increase the footprint of health centers that provide primary care regardless of patients’ ability to pay or where they live. The program aims to strengthen preventive care, expand nutrition services, improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and address root causes of chronic disease.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said:
“Strong primary care prevents disease and gives Americans greater control over their health. This $102 million investment will bring high-quality care to nearly one million more Americans, expand prevention and nutrition services, and help communities tackle chronic disease at its roots. We are giving more Americans the tools to live healthier lives and Make America Healthy Again.”
Context of the Health Center Program
HRSA-funded health centers already serve more than 32.7 million patients across more than 16,000 service sites. They provide care to 1 in 8 children, 1 in 5 rural residents, and 1 in 15 adults age 65 and older. Under the current administration, recent patient growth has been strongest in rural communities.
The New Access Points awards support both new health centers and the expansion of existing ones into additional communities. Officials described the funding as part of broader efforts to prioritize prevention and primary care.
Official Statements
HHS Rapid Response noted the announcement includes $102 million in awards supporting 158 health centers establishing more than 415 new sites.
Secretary Kennedy separately called it “the biggest investment in at least 20 years — maybe 30 years.”
🚨 BREAKING @SecKennedy announces over $100M to expand America’s Health Center Program: “This is the biggest investment in at least 20 years — maybe 30 years.” pic.twitter.com/zHJr5jc96t
— HHS Rapid Response (@HHSResponse) August 13, 2026
The full details are available on the HHS website and through HRSA.
The funding is expected to begin supporting new sites in the coming months as recipients implement the awards.
Provided by Dallas Express
