Sunday, November 24, 2024
11/24/2024
Project Title: Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS): Construction Projects Applicant Name: The C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc. (CWWCHC); Address: 3333 Wilkinson Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208; Project Director: Debra Weeks, CEO; Contact Phone Numbers: Tel: 704-391-0819; Fax: 980-335-0504; Email Address: dweeks@cwwilliams.org; Website: www.cwwilliams.org; Funds Requested: $1,150,000 Organization History: Founded in 1981, CWWCHC handles over 30,000 patient encounters annually, representing nearly 13,000 patients, with 83% being classified as a racial or ethnic minority, 66% living on incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, 21% receiving coverage through Medicaid, 16% being homeless, and 44% being uninsured. Center services include Primary and Preventive Medical and Dental care, 340B Pharmacy, Behavioral Health (Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder), Traditional Chinese Medicine, comprehensive HIV/STI services (including PrEP and PEP), Case management, Mobile Medical and Dental services, Food Pantry, non-emergency Patient Transportation, and Community Outreach. Needs to Be Addressed: As a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, Patient-Centered Medical Home, and safety net primary care provider, CWWCHC fills a unique and important role in reducing burdens on hospitals, providing continuing care for patients with chronic conditions, addressing growing demands for behavioral health services, and contributing to COVID-19 response efforts, including triaging patients and providing testing and vaccines services. Unfortunately, CWWCHC’s existing main campus building is over 81 years old and suffers from acute infrastructure and site issues that threaten patient and staff health and safety. These issues include: inadequate drainage systems and deteriorating brick pointing that allows water to enter the facility, creating mold, mildew, and dampness problems; damaged/leaking roof; crumbling windows, window frames, ceil ings, and walls; a severely rusted and moldy exterior emergency stairwell; asbestos in several areas; leaky plumbing; a broken HVAC system (no heating or air conditioning, which makes for an unsafe, uncomfortable environment for patients and staff); and an elevator that frequently breaks down. Further, the land on which the building sits is steeply graded with storm water drainage issues that cause flooding and pooling in both the parking lot and building proper. The sloping also causes walking issues for patients leaving the bus stop (located in front of the building) going to the main entrance (located in the rear of the building), which also is steeply sloped. Summary of Proposed Project: To address these issues, CWWCHC plans to tear down its existing 3-story, board-owned, 14,470 square foot building and construct a new 2-story, 17,770 square foot facility on the same property located at 3333 Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte, NC. The design/build project will be completed under the oversight and supervision of a professional construction Project Manager and feature an open floor concept with 13 exam rooms, 2 negative pressure rooms, a Dental Clinic with 6 operatories, a drive-through Pharmacy, a full laboratory, a Women’s Health and Pediatric Clinic, and a covered patient drop-off area. CDS funding will be utilized to help pay for the following construction and equipment expenses: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, paving and hardscape, flooring, ultrasound and X-Ray equipment. These expenses align with those originally approved for CDS funding. Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2022 and end in August 2023. We appreciate HRSA’s consideration of support!
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
