More than $19.4 million in federal stimulus money has been allocated for New York’s community health centers, health officials announced today.

The money — part of the total $337 million to health centers nationally — is aimed at helping states provide primary care medical treatment to uninsured and underinsured.

Officials say the funds will create 300 jobs and treat more than 89,000 new patients in the state. The community health center lobby, CHCANYS, issued a statement thanking the federal government for the money but reminding everyone that there are more unemployed and uninsured people who need primary care.

“Our health centers provide quality care regardless of a person’s ability to pay even though many of them often operate with only a couple days of cash on hand. This leaves New York’s health care safety net extremely vulnerable and with the increase we are sure to see in uninsured patients over the next two years that safety net will be all but torn apart,” said Elizabeth Swain, CEO, of the Community Health Care Association of New York State.

In the Lower Hudson Valley, there are several community health centers such as Open Door Medical Centers, Hudson Valley Health Center, (both of which have several sites), Greenburgh Community Health Center and Mount Vernon Community Health Center.

To find a community health center in your neighborhood go to: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov and type in your zip code.