WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — As federal grants continue to roll out to facilities to aid in COVID-19 relief, those at the Community Healthcare Center will receive a $1.2 million boost to help fight the spread and exposure of the coronavirus.

US Sen. John Cornyn announced the information in a press released about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday.

“While medical professionals in Texans are doing everything they can to combat this outbreak, the federal government should make sure they have every resource at their disposal,” Cornyn stated in the press release. “I applaud local leaders for their efforts to secure these grants, and I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for continuing to make health centers in Wichita Falls a high priority.”

Congress approved the relief funding in March, and the funds come through the Department of Health and Human Services.

CHC CEO Allen Patterson said 10-15 percent of overal funding comes from federal government.
Patterson said the coronavirus is impacting the center in two ways, more patients are seeking healthcare, but their resources are running thin.

He said this grant, along with a $90,000 one they received a couple weeks ago will go to good use.

“A lot of it will be used for supplies and then a lot of it will be used to keep our workforce in tact, we simply could not afford to have 38 providers and another 210-220 support staff if we didn’t get this funding,” Patterson said.

Patterson adds he’s so thankful to the community for all its done to make and provide supplies, as well as Senator John Cornyn, Senator Pat Fallon and Congress.

In all, the Community Healthcare Center will receive $1,241,735.