information provided by the Office of Robin Kelly
MATTESON, Ill. (May 15, 2020) – On Thursday, May 14, Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced that federal grants totaling nearly $2.6 million have been awarded to five community health centers to expand vital coronavirus testing within the 2nd Congressional District.
“Testing is our best line of defense against the spread of COVID-19,” Congresswoman Kelly said. “I’m especially grateful the grants will expand testing within Cook County and within our minority communities, which have been disproportionately and adversely impacted by this crisis.”
The following Community Health Centers were awarded the grants:
- Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness: $1,023,874
- Christian Community Health Center: $362,824
- Family Christian Health Center: $373,399
- TCA Health, Inc.: $208,864
- Chicago Family Health Center: $606,064
Olympia Fields-based Aunt Martha’s will use the funds to increase its COVID-19 testing capacity at all of its 23 health center locations. It will also expand its use of telehealth technology to provide increased access for screening while minimizing contact risks for its patients and employees. In addition, Aunt Martha’s will initiate targeted outreach campaigns to educate and connect high-risk minority populations to integrated primary care, behavioral health, and supportive services.
“This funding will contribute to our innovative approach to bringing essential COVID-19 screening and testing to the areas hit hardest by the pandemic,” said Raul Garza, president and CEO of Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness. “Whether through telehealth screenings, drive-thru testing sites, or a quarantine center for DCFS youth, Aunt Martha’s is proud to be on the frontline in this global effort.”
As of Thursday, Cook County has reported a total of 56,406 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 2,630 deaths. And on Wednesday, Illinois reported 192 COVID-19 related deaths, the highest daily death toll since the pandemic started.
