Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that Atascosa Health Center, Inc. has received a $337,500 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will be used for a satellite health clinic in Wilson County.

Once fully operational, the clinic will provide medical and dental care, substance abuse services, mental health services, and perinatal services. Clients will also be screened for cancers, elevated blood lead levels, communicable diseases, and cholesterol. Services for children will also be provided; these include dental care, immunizations, pediatric vision and hearing screenings.

“Providing easy access to quality health care has always been a top priority for me. I have always believed that in order to live a long and healthy life, preventive medicine must be available to everyone,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Today, I congratulate the Atascosa Health Center for bringing health care closer to the residents who need it the most in Atascosa and Wilson counties.

At full capacity, the health care clinic in Wilson County is expected to serve an additional 4,525 customers. This is in addition to other clients already being served in the same county and those who are receiving services in Karnes County.

According to statistics, this area has a high rate of obesity, diabetes and heart problems. In its proposed plan, the Atascosa Health Center will attempt to reduce these problematic rates while establishing measurable objectives towards lowering these health disparities.

This is the second grant received by Atascosa Health Center, Inc., this year. In May, Congressman Cuellar announced a $441,000 grant for a new clinic in Karnes County.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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