Trone, Biden Administration Announce $2.4 Million in Federal Funding for the Asian American Center of Frederick
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2022
Contact: Sasha Galbreath, Sasha.Galbreath@mail.house.gov
Trone, Biden Administration Announce $2.4 Million in Federal Funding for the Asian American Center of Frederick
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Trone (D-MD) joined members of the Biden Administration, as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Mayor Lori Lightfoot, to announce $225 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to help train 13,000 community health workers across the country.
The full press conference can be viewed here.
As a co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, Rep. Trone was asked to provide insight on Congress’ actions on these two intertwined issues and announce new federal funding for Maryland.
One of eighty recipients chosen by the Biden administration through a competitive process, the Asian American Center of Frederick will receive $2.4 million to expand its training program, the first in Frederick County, to train 150 additional community health workers. This funding is in addition to the $1.5 million Congressman Trone secured in the FY2022 federal funding bill for the Center to expand its community services.
During the White House’s press conference, Congressman Trone spoke to the benefit of community health centers through the pandemic and beyond, including their impacts to combat the mental health crisis.
His prepared remarks from the event are below:
“For the last two years, our community centers stepped up to serve as a lifeline for their neighbors in need. They established food banks, delivered vaccines, and offered a steady hand to those suffering the most. On the front lines, our community health care workers served their communities with exceptional courage, commitment, and compassion. They have given their weekends and nights, and tragically, some gave their lives during COVID in service to others. Today, we are gathered here to show our wholehearted gratitude, and give our full support.
“I firmly believe that the fundamental role of government is to improve the lives of its citizens. I came to Congress to contribute to the fight for a brighter future. Affordable, accessible health care is a keystone of that fight. Today, we announce a $225 million down payment toward this goal, to train 13,000 community health workers in every corner of the country. Not only will these workers help folks get their lifesaving prescriptions, but these workers also serve a vital role in tackling our mental health crisis, which was only exacerbated during the pandemic.
“I am honored to announce $2.5 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to the Asian American Center of Frederick. As a proud partner of their work, I know first-hand how deserving they are of this support from the Administration. This Center plays a vital role in helping those in vulnerable populations access health insurance, interpreter services, and citizenship classes. It provides mentorships, housing assistance, education, employment, and business development services. These are some of the most important and impactful services that can be provided, especially toward immigrant and lower-income populations. With this new funding, the Center can train 150 NEW community health workers and strengthen its existing training programs to serve hundreds, if not thousands, of more Marylanders.
“Alongside the other well-deserving recipients of this funding, the Asian American Center of Frederick is putting our money to work. Our country is better for it. As our economy continues to create long-lasting, good-paying jobs; our health care systems continue to beat back the pandemic with innovative vaccines and treatments; and, our lives continue to return to normal, the American Rescue Plan continues to do what it promised: help our fellow Americans and build a better tomorrow.
“I’d like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services for their leadership, especially Carole Johnson and Gene Sperling for their tireless efforts. And finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my dear friend, Elizabeth Chung, for her steadfast commitment to her community’s health and wellness.
“Thank you all again for this incredible effort.”
Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Veterans’ Affairs, and Joint Economic Committees. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the mental health and addiction crises, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research.
Follow Congressman Trone at @RepDavidTrone for updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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