Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Assistance for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts (CARE) - Salud Integral en la Montaña, Inc. (SIM) is a nonprofit 501c (3) tax-exempt Federally Qualified Health Center since 1974 providing comprehensive preventive and primary health services to the population of Barranquitas, Bayamón, Comerio, Corozal, Naranjito, Orocovis and Toa Alta, with expanded section services to migrant and seasonal farm workers as of 1977, and Ryan White (EIS services) to HIV/AIDS patients as of 1997. SIM receives funding for special populations under the Public Housing Primary Care (PHPC) Programs, Migrant Health Center (MHC) Programs funded under section 330(g) as of 1977, and Ryan White (EIS services) to HIV/AIDS patients as of 1997. Active funding granted by HRSA includes Health American Rescue Plan Act Health Center Infrastructure Support Funds, American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Health Centers, and FY 2023 Expanding COVID-19 Vaccination. SIM also operates the only Post COVID 19 Care Clinic in the island inaugurated in July, 2021. SIM´s entire service area is deemed by HRSA as Medically Underserved Area (MUA) and Health Professionals Shortage Area (HPSA). More than 74% of SIM patients are either uninsured or Medicaid/CHIP beneficiaries, with 80% at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Comprehensive primary, behavioral and preventative health services were provided to 64,000 patients during 2022 (2022 UDS). The landing of Hurricane Fiona on September 18, 2022, resulted in severe flooding, damage to the power grid and interruption in the water service for all the clinics operated by SIM. Our satellite clinic in Orocovis was the most affected by this atmospheric event. This municipality corresponds geographically to the region called Sierra de Cayey, which is characterized by being a mountainous area where the heavy rainfall caused by Fiona developed mudslides that blocked major roadways, making it difficult for people to get food, water and medical attention. Our satellite clinic in Orocovis suffered from water leakage which caused damage to the walls, ceiling, and electrical systems which resulted in the temporary disruption of services in some parts of the clinic. Other problems faced by the clinic included power outages, and interruption of the water supply since the water pumps across the island also depend on electricity to distribute water in elevated areas. The goals proposed by SIM for this A/R renovation project in our satellite clinic and emergency room in Orocovis include waterproofing and sealing the roof, replace of the base of photovoltaic panels in the ceiling with panels that will allow the proper maintenance of the ceiling and support stronger winds, and the replacement of the obsolete and deteriorated water pump system. In the event SIM is awarded with this grant, the total cost of the project ($490,000.00) will be supplied by HRSA funding provided through the (FY) 2023 Capital Assistance for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts (CARE) funding. SIM is confident that the proposed alteration and renovation project will provide our Orocovis satellite clinic with important resources that will allow the health center to prepare, adapt, recover, and continue providing healthcare services during and after an emergency/disaster to the vulnerable populations in Orocovis, including low-income individuals, elderly people, children, and those with chronic illnesses particularly in times of heightened health risks.
