KENNETT SQUARE - La Comunidad Hispana has received a federal grant of $582,472 to continue and enhance its health care services.

"This award will allow La Comunidad to expand services and meet our goals of providing health care for immigrants and low-income residents in Chester County," said Alice Moorhead, chairwoman of the group’s board of directors. “We have proved over the years that we give quality service. Our staff is commended for all of its great work in securing this award."

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration made the allocation. 

According to Margarita Queralt Mirkil, executive director of La Comunidad, the organization will now be able to operate as a Federally Qualified Health Center. The designation will allow La Comunidad to significantly expand services to a greater number of low-income and vulnerable populations served in Southern Chester County. La Comunidad is expected to double patient volume by 2014.

“Furthermore, the designation also serves as the catalyst for increased operational efficiencies that will enhance all aspects of our care and services in Southern Chester County,” said Mirkil.

The award is for the period from June 1, 2012 to April 30, 2014 will be for project costs. The second year of the award will be $643,986, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory progress of the project, the award notification stated.

“The (award) is a major boost to (La Comunidad),” Mirkil said. “We will utilize the funding to reach out and serve a segment of the population that needs assistance.”