Mesa County’s Marillac Clinic recently received a federally qualified heath center designation from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

“We are excited for our work ahead and for the new funding to extend our impact in Mesa County to serve more people,” said Kay Ramachandran, executive director of Marillac Clinic.

According to a recent news release, HHS announced “$101 million in Affordable Care Act Funding to 164 new community health centers” in 33 states.

In an email to the Free Press, Kristy Schmidt of Marillac Clinic stated that there are currently 18 community health centers in Colorado; this number will grow to 21 with new funding. Marillac funding will be awarded over two years beginning May 1. The first 13-month grant cycle will offer $704,167, and $650,000 will be awarded the second year.

“This ‘new access point’ grant will significantly increase access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services for the underserved and vulnerable populations in these communities,” Schmidt said.

Marillac Clinic, which currently serves about 7,000 uninsured or under-insured locals annually, will likely expand to more than 12,000 people served in the next two years.

The health center also recently received a $1.1 million grant from Mesa County Health Department and moved into new digs on Mesa County Heath Department’s campus — 510 29 ½ Road. This is on top of its primary location near St. Mary’s Hospital at 2333 N. Sixth St.

In addition to recent grants, Marillac Clinic became a Medicaid provider as well.

For more information about Marillac Clinic, visit http://www.marillacclinic.org/en or call 970-298-1782.