JC Free Medical Clinic neighborhood centers earn ARPA funds
Summary
Johnson County Neighborhood Centers and the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic received preliminary funding from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Iowa City Council to expand medical services and renovate a community center. It will include 50 early childhood education slots, after-school programming classes for teens, a computer lab, multipurpose rooms, a kitchen, library, blackboard and more. The proposed project responds to multiple public health, social, educational, childcare and economic inequalities that have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County in the funding application document. Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague added that Johnson Countys neighborhood centers have proven they can reach out to diverse populations to achieve their goals. In March, IC appointed Free Medical and Dental Clinic Dr. Jennie Schmidt as the new General Manager to replace Barbara Vinograde.