More than $3.1 million has been earmarked for a Chautauqua County health-care provider.

U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy announced a new federal grant for The Chautauqua Center of $3,179,348. This grant is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Center Program.

“The Chautauqua Center does important work to provide quality, affordable health care to underserved communities in Dunkirk and across Chautauqua County,” Langworthy said. “I’m proud to announce this significant $3 million investment that will enable the Chautauqua Center to continue its vital mission, keeping our community healthy with preventive care, chronic disease management, dental care, and other services. I’m grateful for their hard work, and I look forward to our continued work together to strengthen health outcomes for our region.”

According to HHS, the Community Health Center Program aims to improve healthcare access by supporting over 1,400 health centers nationwide. These centers play a pivotal role in addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or financial status, have access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The Chautauqua Center, with locations in Dunkirk, Jamestown and Forestville, is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which is a community-based provider that receives federal funds to provide healthcare in underserved areas. These centers must meet a stringent set of requirements, including providing care on a sliding fee scale and operating under a governing board that includes patients.

Since opening the first site in 2013, The Chautauqua Center has been recognized as a health leader in the region. In 2017, the Center achieved the designation of a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), reflecting an excellent track record of providing advanced primary care by taking the extra step for patients and those in the community.

According to its website, 72% of the patients it serves are below the poverty line with 32% being children.