Area health centers will receive millions of dollars from the economic stimulus package to expand services.
The move means more doctors and support staff for area clinics.
In Arizona, 16 community health centers across the state will share $5.6 million in funding from the American Recovery and Investment Act.
Locally, health clinics in Tucson, Green Valley, Marana and Ajo will benefit from the funding.
El Rio Community Health Center, a 15-clinic operation with the main clinic site at 839 W. Congress St., will receive $869,169 in stimulus funding.
El Rio will add three family practice doctors and 16 support staffers with the funding, said Jill Rodriguez, development coordinator.
“We are adding the doctors and support staff to meet the growth in patient demand,” she said.
The funding, announced Friday and effective April 1, will cover salaries for 19 new positions for two years, she said.
El Rio, which provides medical and dental care for more than 75,000 patients annually, has about 700 employees and an annual budget of $72 million, Rodriguez said.
United Community Health Center Inc., 1260 S. Campbell Road in Green Valley, will receive $225,841 under the plan.
Marana Health Center, 13644 N. Sandario Road, will get $391,961.
Ajo Community Health Center, 410 Malacate St. in Ajo, will get $124,830.