Conrad Visits Site of Federally Funded, $6.6 Million New Clinic in Fargo
FARGO, ND – Senator Kent visited the Fargo Family HealthCare Center (FHC) today to check construction progress being made on a new FHC clinic, funded by a $6.6 million federal stimulus grant.
The new clinic is scheduled to open next September and will enable consolidating operations at one location instead of three. Currently the FHC serves 12,000 patients, but the new location will increase that to more than 17,000.
However, many state lawmakers and others have become increasingly concerned about the longevity of many of the current federally funded programs. The problem was well illustrated by this session's battle over whether or not the state should commit $500,000 towards development of childcare businesses, a program which had been funded the previous biennium by a federal stimulus program.
The national economic crisis and the high likelihood of deeper cuts in federal program funding over the next several years has caused many states to question the wisdom of accepting new or expanded programs initiated by the federal stimulus funds. When the federal funds dry up – or in the case of stimulus funds are never intended to be continued – service directors and citizens in most cases then turn to their state legislatures to pick up funding the balance and keep the programs running.
Most mainstream, American citizens are calling on their Washington DC representatives to force Congress to live within its means, but no one is ever happy about cutting his own special program close to home.
Regardless of what future funding may be available for the non-profit center, Conrad and others praised the new center for the assistance it will provide for families and individuals in Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN. "These facilities provide quality, affordable and convenient care," said Conrad. "The work being done at the Fargo Family HealthCare Center is critical to meeting the growing demand for basic quality medical care for those most in need in Cass and Clay Counties."
New services to be offered will include mental health, optometry, and a full wellness program to support education to FHC's patients. Right now, the Fargo FHC provides access to comprehensive primary care including medical, dental, pharmacy, lab, and radiology services. Additional services include access to medical interpreters, nutrition and education, behavioral health, case management, and outreach. The center also administers the Homeless Health Service clinic in Fargo, which conducts nursing outreach at all local shelters.
