Eastern North Carolina health centers receive more than $10.4 million in federal funding

May 29, 2026 - 23:10

Six community health centers across eastern North Carolina are set to receive a combined total of more than $10.4 million in continued federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money is aimed at supporting primary care services for underserved populations in the region.

The grants will help these centers expand access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Officials say the funding is especially critical for rural areas where healthcare options are limited. Many of these clinics serve patients regardless of their ability to pay, often operating on tight budgets.

Each center will use the money in different ways. Some plan to hire additional staff, while others will invest in new equipment or telehealth technology. The goal is to reduce wait times and improve the quality of care for thousands of patients who rely on these facilities.

Local leaders praised the announcement, noting that the funding helps stabilize operations in communities that have long struggled with health disparities. The centers serve a mix of low-income families, uninsured individuals, and Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

This round of funding is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen the nation's community health center network. For eastern North Carolina, the money represents a lifeline for clinics that often operate as the only source of primary care in their counties.