Rep. Calvert Secures Funding for Local Health Care, Homeless, and Workforce Projects

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced that, at his request, funding for local health care, homeless, and workforce projects was included in the Fiscal Year 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill. The bill was advanced yesterday by the House Appropriations Committee and will now head to the House floor for consideration. Funding included in the bill for local projects is allocated within their respective agency program accounts and does not raise the overall spending level of the bill.

The bill includes $2 million for facilities and equipment at the Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta. The requested funding would be used to purchase new equipment by Loma Linda University Medical Center for its Murrieta location.

"The funding to facilitate the expansion of inpatient care at Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta is critical to ensure the growing region of southwest Riverside County has access to medical care," said Rep. Calvert. "I'm thankful for the leadership, foresight, and investments being made in our region by the Loma Linda University Medical Center to support healthy families in our community."

"We are pleased to learn that the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee has included funding in its 2023 bill supporting the expansion of inpatient hospital beds at Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta," said Loma Linda University Health Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Trevor G. Wright, FACHE. "This expansion is phase one of a project to help alleviate current capacity limitations and enhance the level of service we can provide to our community. We greatly appreciate the support of Congressman Calvert for sponsoring this request."

The bill also includes $575,000 for the Corona Valley Community Clinic Equipment Acquisition project, which was requested by nonprofit Neighborhood Healthcare – a Federally Qualified Health Center. The requested funding would be used to purchase equipment for a new community-based primary care health clinic in Corona. Neighborhood Healthcare offers over ten unique medical services, including Primary, Prenatal, Behavioral Health, Women's Health, and more.

"I am thrilled to be able to support the launch of Corona Valley Community Clinic by securing funding to help equip its new community-based primary care health clinic," said Rep. Calvert. "Corona families will see new, expanded health care options thanks to this new facility and investments here in our community."

"This investment in critical medical equipment and supplies--including exam scopes, ultrasounds, vital signs monitors, and blood analyzers--will allow our new Corona health center to open its doors with the ability to provide a full spectrum of quality outpatient care," said Neighborhood Health's CEO Dr. Rakesh Patel. "This health center will aid us in our mission to improve the health and happiness of the communities we serve by providing quality care to all, regardless of situation or circumstance. We appreciate the work of the Congressman and his team in moving this project forward."

The bill also includes $800,000 for the Temporary Homeless Housing and Outreach project, which was requested by the City of Norco. The requested funding would be used to expand homelessness services.

"Addressing California's homeless crisis is a challenge facing virtually every city in our state, and I am happy to support the efforts of the City of Norco to provide solutions," said Rep. Calvert. "The funding being provided to Norco will enable them to build off the work that has already been accomplished to provide housing services as well as clean up homeless encampments."

"The City of Norco is grateful for the funding that Congressman Calvert has garnered for our Collaborative Homeless Services Program. Confronting the challenges of homelessness can be overwhelming, especially when areas like the Santa Ana riverbed are within your jurisdiction," said Norco Mayor Pro Tem Robin Grundmeyer. "Our collaborative program with the City of Corona has allowed us to engage our homeless neighbors, and we have seen several instances of success. Over the past year, the Norco portion of the program has been able to serve 19 clients, facilitate permanent housing for five people, and clean up encampments in the Santa Ana riverbed. All of these accomplishments would not have been possible without our neighboring city and other regional partners' collaborative efforts. The additional funding secured by Congressman Calvert will enable us to continue this program, which will allow for a better quality of life for all residents of Norco. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Calvert's recognition of our work and support for program longevity."

The bill also includes $3 million for the Military Articulation Platform Expansion project, which was requested by the Riverside Community College District. The requested funding would be used to expand services and college credit opportunities for veterans.

"I am proud to support and work with RCCD to expand its Military Articulation Platform project, which helps Veterans and students advance their educational and career goals," said Rep. Calvert. "RCCD has done extraordinary work supporting veterans and helping them take what they have learned in service to our nation and translating that knowledge into a promising career."

"Riverside Community College District is appreciative to the House Appropriations Committee for its commitment to the Military Articulation Platform project and further expansion of educational benefits for Veteran students," said RCCD Board President Bill Hedrick. "This $3 million will fund the development of additional articulations while also offering Veteran students new opportunities to obtain the credits they deserve, not just at RCCD, but at any California community college. District leadership would like to thank Congressman Ken Calvert for his strong leadership and support for the MAP initiative."

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