International Community Health Services (ICHS) is among 26 community health centers in Washington state to receive federal awards totaling over $3 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The award was announced at ICHS’ International District Clinic on Aug. 22, by Sharon Turner, U.S. HRSA Region X administrator. She was also joined by Aphrodyi Antoine, HRSA deputy administrator, and John R. Graham, HHS Region 10 regional director. “I have the honor of recognizing International Community Health Services in person on behalf of Health Resources and Services Administration, for their incredible quality achievements and ranking in the top 20% for clinical quality measures nationally,” said Turner. “The Quality Improvement Awards recognize the highest performing health centers nationwide, as well as those health centers that have made significant quality improvement gains from the previous year. Health centers will use these funds to improve the quality, efficiency, and value of health care.”

ICHS received a grant award of $142,432. HRSA has named ICHS a Health Center Quality Leader every year since 2014, and a National Quality Leader in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.

“ICHS and health centers across the nation are at the forefront of addressing the public need for affordable care, as well as acute challenges such as the opioid epidemic,” said Teresita Batayola, ICHS president and CEO. “These awards will help ICHS continue to meet emerging health care needs and advance the wellness of our communities.”

For a list of 2019 Quality Improvement Award recipients,
visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/fundingopportunities/qualityimprovement/index.html