Davids Announces Funding to Improve Health Care Access in Kansas’ Third District
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $2.6 million to Health Partnership Clinic to help expand access to health care in the Greater Kansas City Area. Health Partnership Clinic, who provides high quality health care to low-income individuals in Kansas' Third District, will use the funding to pay staff salaries and purchase new translation services and medical supplies.
"Community health centers like Health Partnership Clinic play a vital role in providing health care services to Kansans, no matter their income level or background," said Davids. "I'll continue supporting all health centers in Kansas' Third District because access to quality, affordable health care ensures folks in our community can live safe, healthy, and productive lives."
"We appreciate the ongoing support of Representative Davids and others for keeping community health centers front and center," says Amy Falk, CEO of Health Partnership Clinic. "The federal funding we receive plays a major role in providing access to quality health care and the breadth of services we are able to provide to low income and vulnerable residents in the communities we serve. The collaboration of our federal and state partners coupled with our committed staff truly improves health and impact lives, which is our mission."
Since coming to Congress, Davids has worked to make health care more affordable and accessible to all Kansans. Recently, she helped pass legislation that, for the first time ever, empowers Medicare to begin negotiating for lower prescription drug prices. The new law also caps the cost of insulin at $35 for Medicare beneficiaries, and Davids has been vocal about extending this cap to all insulin users.
In April 2021, Davids announced Health Partnership Clinic was awarded American Rescue Plan funding to expand their COVID-19 vaccine, testing, and treatment operations for vulnerable populations during the pandemic. She also visited the clinic as part of her American Rescue Plan Tour, highlighting the federal relief brought to Kansas.
Health Partnership Clinic operates five clinics in the Kansas Third District, including in Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Merriam, Ottawa, and Paola, and has recently expanded their telemedicine program to reach wider audiences. They offer primary care, dental, and behavioral and mental health services, and have partnered with the Olathe and Shawnee Mission school districts to identify students who do not have a regular medical or dental provider.