The St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) plays a vital role in strengthening the healthcare safety net by making safety-net services more efficient, effective, and equitable. One of IHN’s strategic pillars is capacity building, which strengthens our member organizations through strategic support and resources. This investment fosters a thriving ecosystem of resilient organizations working collaboratively to address community needs.
IHN is grateful to the City of St. Louis for investing in the region’s healthcare safety net, specifically in four local Health Centers — Affinia Healthcare, CareSTL Health, Family Care Health Centers, and People’s Health Centers.
Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), these health centers have made transformative infrastructure improvements, addressing the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over three years, IHN has received $12.87 million in funding from the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA), expanding access to critical healthcare services, creating jobs, and generating economic impact for the city.
“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs),” said Andwele Jolly, President and CEO of IHN. “Their commitment to accessible healthcare is essential in addressing the social determinants of health and strengthening the healthcare safety net for our communities.”
Dwayne Butler, CEO of Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, emphasized, “The City’s investment has been instrumental in expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly through funding for Medicaid enrollment, COVID-19 response, and facility modernization. This funding strengthens our services for the most vulnerable.”
Family Care Health Centers (FCHC) is also benefiting from the City’s investments. “Thanks to funding support from the City, we’re able to construct a new location in the Dutchtown community, which will expand primary care and behavioral health services, benefiting the community for generations,” said Dr. Aramide Ayorinde, CEO of Family Care Health Centers.
Kenda Holmes, CEO of Affinia Healthcare, highlighted the impact of ARPA funding, “We’ve been able to provide COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and expand our Lemp Avenue location, which helps serve a growing community in South St. Louis. Additionally, funding for community health workers has created careers for city residents and improved maternal and child health outcomes.”
“The City’s investment enables us to build a world class facility to meet the healthcare needs of our community” said Angela Clabon, CEO of Care STL Health, ” The Ville Wellness Campus will integrate housing and health services — providing critical infrastructure to improve quality of life for City residents”
In addition to supporting health centers, the City has invested in direct initiatives. IHN has received funding from the Office of Violence Prevention to assist individuals transitioning from the City Detention Center and is conducting a workforce analysis to address health needs in St. Louis. The City’s Affordable Housing Commission (AHC) has provided $1 million over two years to assist low-income residents with healthcare coverage.
Furthermore, through a partnership with the Department of Health, IHN allocated $1.5 million in COVID Recovery Funds to support testing, vaccinations, and treatment for marginalized residents.
Without government investment, there would be no healthcare safety net. The City’s support enables health centers to provide essential services, protect public health, and drive economic growth. IHN is grateful to the City of St. Louis for its vision in investing in the health and future of the region.