County health center wins federal grants

The Flathead Community Health Center recently was awarded $42,645 grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The health center received $18,823 for being a “clinical quality improver” by showing at least a 10 percent improvement in clinical quality measures and $23,823 for being a “health center quality leader.”

The health center finished in the top 30 percent of all health centers that achieved the best overall clinical outcomes. Three of Montana’s 15  health centers received money in this category, including health centers in Libby and Billings.

There are 17 community health centers in Montana, providing care to more than 97,000 patients. A total of $331,449 was given to 15 of them to “recognize health center quality improvement achievements and invest in ongoing quality improvement activities.”

The Flathead Community Health Center is located on the third floor of the Earl Bennett Building in Kalispell. It’s open to anyone needing primary care, dental or family planning services, and they accept most types of health insurance.

The center is open on Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations can be made.