A critical cash infusion is on its way to the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network (CFCN) today following word that the medical aid organization Direct Relief is delivering $50,000 in emergency grant funding in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers.
CFCN was among 518 federally qualified health centers to receive funding this week through Direct Relief’s $25 million Covid-19 Fund for Community Health, which recognizes the profound effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the finances, services, staff, and patients of community health centers.
CFCN will use the funds to help offset expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe says, “Access to primary care is what keeps people healthy and out of the hospital, and the frontline work of CFCN and other nonprofit community health centers across the U.S. is more critical than ever with the onset of Covid-19.”He adds, “Direct Relief is doing everything possible to bolster the work and support the staffs at the safety-net health facilities on which so many patients and their families rely for excellent care and trust for advice in this public health emergency.”
Nearly 30 million, literally 1-in-12, of the country’s most vulnerable residents — including 1-in-3 individuals living in poverty, 1-in-5 Medicaid beneficiaries, and 1-in-9 children — rely on federally qualified health centers like CFCN for their healthcare. That number is expected to rise as more people lose employer-sponsored insurance.
Tom Van Coverden, President & CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers, says, “We are grateful for this critical and immediate support as Community Health Centers work hard to keep communities safe during an unprecedented pandemic,” adding, “We are also deeply appreciative of our longstanding partnership with Direct Relief in these uncertain times and their efforts to ensure that health centers confronting multiple challenges in under-served communities have the resources when and where they need them. We know that many donors and contributors have helped to make this fund possible, and we further extend our appreciation to all of them.”
Cassopolis Family Clinic Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center. With locations in Cassopolis and Niles, the network provides quality affordable healthcare for the communities of Cass and southeastern Berrien Counties. For more information go to www.cassfamilyclinic.org.
