Washington, D.C. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today highlighted the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services(HHS) making approximately $150 million available to help community health centers around the country assist uninsured Americans who want to sign up for health coverage. Arizona, with 17 eligible health centers, will receive an estimated $2.2 million in awards.

Health centers can use the grants to hire new staff, better train existing staff, and conduct community outreach events and other educational activities. The grants – which come from the Affordable Care Act – will help health centers assist consumers in understanding their coverage options, determining their eligibility, and enrolling in an affordable health insurance plan.

Community health centers will provide unbiased information to consumers about health insurance, the new Health Insurance Marketplace exchanges, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. For a list of health centers eligible to apply for this funding, visit http://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/2013tables/outreachandenrollment/.

Eligible clinics have not yet received awards. They must apply and affirm to HHS that they will use the funds for their intended purposes.