Stimulus money headed to St. Pete clinics

ST. PETERSBURG - Community health centers in Pinellas County will get a shot in the arm of funds from federal stimulus money.

Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced that the centers will get $1.1 million in funds.

She made the announcement at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke health center in St. Petersburg, where she said many people go for the only health care that is accessible to them.

"Many folks do not have anywhere to go beside their community health centers," Castor said.

The Johnnie Ruth Clarke health center will use the money for more exam rooms.

Castor also hinted that more money may be on the way, saying she expects the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a health care refoem bill in the next week or two that would include "significant new investments" to community health centers.