Community Health Grant funds by statute, support safety-net organizations such as federally qualified health centers, health centers that meet the criteria for federally qualified health centers, state-designated rural health centers, free clinics, public health departments, and school-based health centers that provide care to underserved populations throughout the state. The purpose of the funds is fourfold:
-To increase access to preventive and primary care services for medically vulnerable patients in existing or new health center locations;
-To establish primary care safety net services in counties where no such services exist;
-To create new services or augment existing primary care and preventive medical services provided;
-To increase capacity necessary to serve low income patients by enhancing or replacing facilities, equipment, or technologies.
Continued support and recurring funding for the Community Health Grant program has strengthened North Carolina's health care safety net infrastructure to ensure that all of the state's low income and vulnerable residents (Uninsured, Underinsured, Medicare and Medicaid) have access to affordable and appropriate quality medical care.