WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to increase access to quality health care in the East Bay, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today informed U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) will receive $429,000 to help low-income residents of the East Bay region, including many without health insurance, obtain comprehensive primary health care services. The Health Center Grant will enable EBCAP to increase its capacity at its two health care centers in Newport and East Providence. The centers provide comprehensive, family-based health and dental services, including family planning, childcare, and geriatric care. EBCAP has also teamed up with the Maternal and Child Health Fellowship at Memorial Hospital to provide prenatal and obstetrical care, and has established the East Bay Smiles and Molar Express Dental Care Mobile programs to help increase dental care for uninsured children. In August of 2006, Reed wrote a letter in support of the EBCAP's grant request. "For 25 years, the East Bay Community Action Program has provided essential services to residents of the East Bay area that otherwise may not be able to afford care," stated Reed. "This federal funding is an example of the quality care that EBCAP provides, and I am pleased that it will be able to continue and expand its services to help more Rhode Islanders in need." The East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) provides a wide array of health and human services to over 6500 residents of Rhode Island's east bay including the municipalities of East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport and Jamestown. Dennis Roy, Chief Executive Officer of EBCAP stated, "This federal funding will help us to continue to serve our 6,666 health and dental patients. As always, I am appreciative of Senator Reed and the congressional delegation's support." HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) manages the Consolidated Health Center Program, which funds a national network of more than 3,600 clinics comprised of community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless centers and public housing primary care centers. Health centers deliver preventive and primary care services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Almost 40 percent of the patients treated at health centers have no insurance coverage, and others have inadequate coverage. Charges for health care services are set according to income.