FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

Monday, November 9, 2009

CONTACT: MARA LEE         

(202) 225-7163                                  

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced that $344,621 has been awarded to the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services through a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support outreach and primary care services for homeless populations in Sacramento.  Thanks to this funding, the Mercy Clinic at Loaves and Fishes will continue to provide area homeless with outpatient primary and public health care services--as well as inpatient and other secondary and tertiary health care services--in cooperation with local doctors and hospitals.  This competitive award will allow the clinic to continue operating through 2012.

“Sacramento’s homeless problems have been well-documented, and I am pleased that the federal investment being announced today will help our community address this challenge,” said Rep. Matsui.  “During times of hardship, it is critical that everyone, including those that have the least among us, still have access to necessary health care, and an individual’s economic situation should not preclude them from getting the vital care and lifesaving measures they deserve.”

Sacramento County’s Department of Health and Human Services Director Ann Edwards-Buckley added, “Providing health care to the homeless involves innovative programs and solutions to deal with the issues specific to this population.  Through remarkable partnerships, dedication and hard work, we have made great progress.  Fortunately, these funds come at a time in which they are so very needed and will enable us to carry-on with this mission.” 

The Mercy Clinic, Loaves and Fishes, is a collaborative effort between the Sacramento County Health Care for the Homeless Program, operated by the County Department of HHS; Catholic Healthcare West; and Loaves and Fishes Inc.  The collaboration also supports a local well-child clinic as well as specialty services from local providers.  In 2008, over 18,000 unique homeless patients received care from the Mercy Clinic, Loaves and Fishes.  Thanks to federal funding such as that being announced today, the clinic will continue offering its vital services to Sacramento’s homeless population.