Jan. 23, 2020 11:40a
(WGTD)---A health clinic that's being planned for the basement of Julian Thomas Elementary in Racine will be able to open as scheduled this year, thanks to funding from an undisclosed, private source.
The city's application for Federally Qualified Health Center status was denied last year, putting the clinic's future somewhat in doubt. Approval would've meant over $900,000 in federal and state start-up funds, and would've opened the door for on-going support.
Friday morning, officials from the city, county school district and Gateway Technical College are expected to gather in the mayor's office to reveal the identity of the benefactor who's being described as a "trusted community partner."
The release announcing the announcement says "this generous investment" will enable the clinic to open this summer. The donation is described as a "multi-year" contribution.
The city, county and Gateway have each allocated $50,000 in this year's budgets for the clinic.
"The center is committed to addressing inequities in access to health care for individuals who are disproportionally uninsured, underinsured, and low-income residents living in the City and County of Racine," the release says. The center is expected to provide a variety of preventative and primary care services.
Meanwhile, the application for federally qualified status remains open should additional funding materialize.
-0-
