Six health centers in southwest Ohio are gaining $2.4 million in federal funding to expand primary care and other services.

The fund – made possible through the Affordable Care Act – will help increase access to medical, oral, behavioral, pharmacy, and vision care. That money will go toward purchasing equipment and hiring an ophthalmologist, a medical assistant and a van driver, she said.

The Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida – based in Collier County with clinics in Immokalee and greater Naples – is receiving $358,395, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded the funding.

National Center for Lesbian Rights ( NCLR ) Policy Director Julie Gonen, Esq., said in a separate statement, “Today, HHS has taken a major step to ensure that all transgender individuals will have access to life-saving, affirming care that is consistent with the prevailing standard of care”.

These funds may be used to support outreach and enrollment activities for the next open enrollment period for the ACA’s health insurance marketplace, starting November 1, as well as educating eligible people that they can enroll in Medicaid year round. These changes allow health care centers to best meet the needs of their communities, according to the release.

View a list of the 160 Health Infrastructure Investment Program awardees: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/fundingopportunities/hiip/2015awards/index.html.