Washington – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced a total of $14,783,299 in federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Head Start and Health Center Cluster Programs. This funding comes as our region works to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and highlights the importance of ensuring these institutions have appropriate resources. Congresswoman Bustos is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees HHS.
“Our Head Start classrooms and community health centers each play crucial roles in setting our children up for success and keeping our families healthy,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “This federal funding is an investment in hardworking Illinoisans and their families. As many of our institutions face an uncertain financial future in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis, this funding will go to ensure that our students continue have a lifetime of opportunity and that Illinoisans have access to quality, affordable health care.”
Head Start promotes school readiness for young children from underserved families by providing programming to enhance their cognitive, social and emotional development from birth to age five, while the Health Center Cluster Program helps community-based health care organizations provide primary care for underserved communities.
Below is a breakdown of Head Start funding by recipient:
- Tri-County Opportunities Council, Inc. in Rock Falls: $6,915,453
- Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc.: $6,742,031
Below is a breakdown of Health Center Cluster Program funding by recipient:
- Knox County Health Department: $1,125,815