Capital improvement funds to benefit some state clinics

Community health centers serve mainly low-income people at more than 8,500 locations across the country. Patients can see a nurse or doctor regardless of their ability to pay. Many of the patients are uninsured.

The grants for construction and renovation projects were announced Tuesday and are part of an $11 billion funding boost for the centers under the health care law.

Health centers in Oklahoma, including the Pushmataha Family Medical Center Inc. in Clayton, will share $9.4 million.

“Community health centers are vital to towns like Clayton, where access to health care services is limited,” said U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, whose district includes the Clayton facility.

“This funding will allow the Pushmataha Family Medical Center to expand its services to meet the growing needs of the community and ensure that they can continue to provide quality care to those who most need it.”