Echo Park Health Clinic Group Gets Federal Grant

Echo Park's JWCH Institute is among a dozen Los Angeles-area community healthy clinics awarded nearly $7 million in federal government grants Thursday.

JWCH, headquartered in Echo Park at 1901 Sunset Blvd, picked up $395,833.

Brandy Hudson of JWCH, says will be used to help the organization add seven clinics.

Most will be in the Skid Row area, with one in Bell.

JWCH already has five clinics, focused on primary and preventive services for low-income and homeless populations. Most include clinical laboratories and pharmaceutical dispensaries.

According to KPCC, the money comes from an $11 billion grant program within the controversial the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act now under scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Los Angeles Times notes that at least one official at a press conference Thursday felt the money would unlikely have to be returned if the court overturns the law.

JWCH was founded by a group of doctors at the John Wesley County Hospital in 1960. When the hospital was destroyed in 1979 the name was changed to JWCH.

Find out more about how to donate to or volunteer at JWCH here.