Congressman Steven Horsford Visits FirstMed Health and Wellness Center to Promote American Rescue Plan Funding for Vaccines and Mental Health Care in Low-Income Communities

NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEV. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford visited FirstMed Health and Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in North Las Vegas that provides comprehensive care to low-income and underserved Nevadans.

Last month, Congressman Horsford announced that his office secured $1,827,750 in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 response efforts at FirstMed Health and Wellness, including COVID-19 vaccines and mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults. During the pandemic, FirstMed Health and Wellness has significantly expanded their telemedicine offerings to reach patients safely and address transportation-related barriers to care.

"The frontline heroes at FirstMed Health and Wellness have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to keep our communities healthy and stop the spread of COVID-19. I'm deeply grateful for their efforts, and I was glad to visit their facility today and share my appreciation," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, FirstMed Health and Wellness will receive more than $1.8 million in funding to expand vaccinations and provide mental health care to low-income Nevadans. This money will save lives, stop the spread of the virus, and help those who are struggling with their mental health during this deeply challenging time."

"This past year has been very difficult for our patients and our community," said Angela Quinn, CEO of FirstMed Health and Wellness. "Finding enough resources and the right resources to provide the best care for medical and mental health services for our 5,000 plus patients across the valley has been made that much easier with funding from the American Rescue Plan. Congressman Horsford has been a tireless advocate for his constituents, many of which are our patients, and we very much appreciate his hard work and dedication."

The American Rescue Plan funding for FirstMed Health and Wellness is part of a $25 million American Rescue Plan funding package to support COVID-19 response efforts at eight Nevada community health centers. The package also includes $907,625 secured by Congressman Horsford for Hope Christian Health Center, which is also located in Nevada's Fourth District. The funding will be awarded beginning this month by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Health centers will be able to use the funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers' operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units. This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals.

Media Contact
Geneva Kropper | Geneva.Kropper@mail.house.gov | 202-849-0251