County health centers receive more than $1.6 million in grants

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, announced Tuesday that health centers in Merced County have received more than $1.6 million in grants through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for improving and establishing facilities in order to boost health services in rural areas.

Livingston Community Health received $1,118,215. Leslie McGowan, the chief executive officer for Livingston Community Health, said the money will go toward opening the first site in Stanislaus County after 45 years of service in Merced County.

“We are proud to expand access to medical, dental and behavioral health services to the residents of Waterford and the surrounding communities,” she said in a statement.

Golden Valley Health Centers got $483,333. Golden Valley has facilities in 12 cities and communities in Merced and Stanislaus counties. Tony Weber, Golden Valley’s CEO, said the money will benefit the site in Ceres. “We appreciate the acknowledgment that there is a great need for access to health care in the community of Ceres,” he said.

“Livingston Community Health and Golden Valley Health Centers work to ensure that all individuals have access to quality health services,” Costa said in a statement. “This investment will allow them to continue their efforts in serving residents who live in rural communities throughout Merced County and depend on these health centers.”

This story was originally published August 25, 2015 at 4:15 PM with the headline "County health centers receive more than $1.6 million in grants."