Friday, May 9, 2025
5/9/2025
Congressionally Directed Spending for Construction Projects - Portland Community Health Center HRSA-24-110: Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending (CPF/CDS): Facilities and/or Equipment Projects H80CS25680 Portland Community Health Center (Portland CHC) seeks funding to renovate and equip new dental suites at its 295 Park Avenue location in Portland, Maine. This project aims to expand access to dental care for underserved populations in the Greater Portland area, addressing critical gaps in oral health services. Portland CHC serves over 16,300 community members, including immigrants, refugees, asylees, those experiencing homelessness, those under and un-insured, and more. The new dental suite will increase access to dental care to all community members, particularly low-income individuals who face the greatest barriers to dental care. By increasing the number of dental sites, Portland CHC aims to reduce appointment wait times and improve access to dental services for all community members, regardless of their ability to pay. There is a significant need for accessible dental care in Greater Portland with limited provider availability and few providers who accept MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid. With the recent expansion of MaineCare dental coverage to include preventative and comprehensive care, there is an increased demand for dental services. The proposed project will help alleviate this shortage and provide comprehensive dental care to vulnerable populations. The renovated space will include four dental operatories, a dental team room, a lab and sterilization room, an x-ray room, and a storage area. These facilities will enable Portland CHC to offer a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatments. The renovation will also include the installation of modern, non-movable dental equipment such as a 2D x-ray machine, dental chairs, and a metal sterilization center. The renovation will involve demolition of existing walls and construction of new walls to create separate rooms for sterilization, storage, and x-ray. New egress paths to exterior fire exits will be added, and a door will be installed to segregate the dental suite from common areas. The project includes updates to flooring, painting, and modifications to the sprinkler and fire alarm systems to meet safety standards. The floor’s concrete base and basement below will facilitate easy installation of additional electrical and plumbing systems required for the dental suite. A third-party construction manager and an architect will oversee the design and construction phases. Portland CHC’s Project Manager and Procurement Coordinator will coordinate with the construction manager to ensure timelines are met and maintain communication with staff and vendors. The proposed project will also include equipment essential for the dental suite, such as dental chairs, x-ray machines, sterilization centers, maintenance systems, sterilizers, and specialized dental tools and machinery.
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).