Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that two Flint-area health centers would receive $640,000 in federal funds as part of an appropriations bill that last night passed the House.  The Hamilton Community Health Network and the Hurley Medical Center would each receive $320,000 to upgrade and implement new computer technologies and software.  At the request of Congressman Kildee, the House appropriated funding in the conference report of the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.  The bill requires the President’s signature to be enacted.

“The state of the art medical centers in Flint will utilize these funds to ensure that the people of Flint have access to the most advanced medical facilities available,” said Kildee.  “Patients’ medical histories and tests are great resources in diagnosing those who are ill.  Communications and software technologies are as vital to saving lives today as a scalpel and a defibrillator.” 

Funding for the Hamilton Community Health Network would be used to upgrade computer and communications systems that are currently outdated.  New software would enable clinics to better manage scheduling and billing, offering more efficient patient care.

The Hurley Medical Center will utilize federal funds to implement the second phase of Clinical Information Computer System Replacement Project, a $22 million modernization effort.  Initiated in 2005, the project would allow medical professionals working from remote locations greater access to information such as test results and clinical decisions.  The program would also help to reduce incidence of inappropriate or duplicate orders.

The funds included for the Hamilton Community Health Network and the Hurley Medical Center must be approved by the Senate and the President to be appropriated.