Esperanza Health Centers was named a recipient of Affordable Care Act funding by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in recognition of the high quality and comprehensive care provided to patients at the southwest side community health center, Esperanza announced on Tuesday. Esperanza received four awards totaling $155,241, which is the third largest level of funding to be provided to any of the 38 health centers in Illinois selected by HRSA. The health centers across the country which received funding are being recognized for high levels of performance in categories associated with quality, access or value provided.

“We are very honored and appreciate this national recognition and the awards provided by HRSA,” said Dan Fulwiler, MPH, chief executive officer of Esperanza Health Centers, which is comprised of three community clinics. “This distinction places us in a leadership position in Illinois and Chicago, which we welcome.” Esperanza plans to use the award money to invest in new assets and human resources that will further improve quality of health care for patients.