Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) selected Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) as a new grant earning Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Secured through a nationally competitive application process, this award to HBHC includes an annual operating grant of approximately $650,000 and other benefits designed to increase access to high-quality primary care, behavioral health, and ancillary services to thousands of low-income LGBTQ people and allies.

“With this award and federal designation, Howard Brown will expand its reach, assuring thousands more people – especially the most vulnerable in the Chicago area—will have greater access to comprehensive and culturally competent health care,” said David Ernesto Munar, HBHC President and CEO. In 2001, HBHC achieved FQHC Look-Alike status. This new designation elevates HBHC into a new category of federally recognized and funded health care providers in the U.S.

“This is a monumental accomplishment for Howard Brown Health Center. Through our tenacious efforts we have earned the federal government’s stamp of approval and are seen as an integral part of the nation’s community health center safety net,” said Duke Alden, HBHC Board President. The grant is part of a wider HHS initiative that made grant awards totaling $169 million for health care services reaching more than 1.2 million patients at 266 health center sites across the country.