Stimulus money to help health clinics in Pinellas, Hillsborough

Community health centers in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties will receive federal stimulus money to build more exam rooms for patients who need low-cost health care.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, announced the news Tuesday morning at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, at 1344 22nd St. S in St. Petersburg. Construction of the six exam rooms will begin there in August or September.

Meanwhile, Tampa Family Health Centers said the money will allow it to move forward with its plans to build another clinic in Tampa.

"Many folks do not have anywhere else to go but their community health center. That is why this is such good news," Castor said.

"It enables us to provide better access to a community that is in dire need of health care, affordable health care," said Cheryl Crenshaw Robinson, managing director of the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center.

The St. Petersburg center employs board-certified physicians who provide basic health care and other services to insured and uninsured patients. The costs of care are based on income.

Robinson said the $1.1 million for Pinellas clinics will be spent on the six exam rooms in St. Petersburg and better computerized record systems for five Pinellas clinics.

The Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, which includes a dental clinic and pharmacy, is part of a network of five community health clinics in Pinellas. The others are at 1020 Lakeview Road, Clearwater; 6237 66th St., Pinellas Park; 12420 130th Ave. N, Largo; and 247 S Huey Ave., Tarpon Springs.

The nearly $1.3 million for the Tampa Family Health Centers will allow the agency to move a clinic from cramped quarters at 3402 N 22nd St. to the corner of 22nd Street and Osborne Avenue, although other money is being raised as well. Instead of the current eight exam rooms, it will have 19.

"This really fast-forwarded the project for us," said Stephanie Theaker, chief operations officer.

Tampa Family Health Centers includes clinics at 1401 E 22nd Ave., 1502 E Fowler Ave., 2103 N Rome Ave., 8213 W Waters Ave. and 1514 N Florida Ave.