Torres Announces $150K+ to Expand COVID Testing Amidst Statewide Shortage
MONTCLAIR – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today announced a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant totaling $152,612 for Health Service Alliance in Montclair to expand coronavirus test capacity and purchase much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE). The grant comes at a crucial moment as California faces a statewide test shortage.
"Our capacity to test for coronavirus is vital to combatting this disease," Rep. Torres said. "Health Service Alliance has been a pillar serving vulnerable members of our community throughout this crisis, and I'm glad these funds will help them test and treat even more people. At a time when testing has slowed from the statewide shortage, these funds will help more residents know their status and get treatment."
"As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike, Health Service Alliance has to meet all of the same requirements and provide all of the same services as a federally funded FQHC," Health Service Alliance CEO Terry Chase, Ph.D., said. "Prior to this grant award, we performed these duties to the best of our ability without federal financial support. Despite our lack of resources, our dedicated healthcare professionals have stepped up in every way to help the community during the Covid-19 crisis. We offer drive thru testing in both our Montclair and Chino locations and dedicate medical professionals to following and monitoring positive patients for as long as necessary to return them to health. Our behavioral health team has also been extremely busy in supporting families whose health, income and housing stability have been impacted by the pandemic. These much-needed funds will allow us to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), pay laboratory costs associated with processing COVID tests and to continue providing much needed care to underserved residents of CA-35."
Rep. Torres sits on the House Appropriations Committee, which allocates all federal spending. Torres has announced more than $231.5 million in COVID relief since the outbreak began.
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