Kansas Health Institute | Information For Policy Makers. Health for Kansans.

TOPEKA — A new report shows that federal stimulus dollars funneled through safety net clinics meant $3.2 billion in economic activity.

Kansas' federally qualified safety net clinics received more than $12.3 million as a result of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which generated more than $21 million in economic activity, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers.

"Yes, all the dollars have been received and have had a huge impact," said Cathy Harding, executive director of the Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved, which represents the state's safety net clinics.

Harding said the ARRA funding came in two funding streams.

One allowed the state's 13 federally qualified clinics to retain or add staff members to help meet increased demand for services.

The other funding stream was for capital improvements and allowed 12 Kansas clinics to expand their facilities, buy equipment or make other improvements.

According to the national association, an additional 7,136 Kansans received services through the clinics thanks to the stimulus funding, most of whom were uninsured.