Community Health Centers in Bridgeport has received $15 million under the newly passed American Rescue Plan Act.

Southwest Community Health Center in Black Rock received $5.5 million. On the East Side of Bridgeport, Optimus Healthcare was the recipient of $9.4 million.

Drs. Patricia Sliwinski and Elena Dragoi, both pediatricians at Optimus, say the massive influx of federal dollars announced yesterday will help with vaccinations and much more, including pediatric and OBGYN services — all part of a comprehensive effort to rebound from the impact of COVID-19.

"This is extremely beneficial for our patients and it allows us to provide more resources for this community," Dr. Sliwinski said.

"This award, this $9.4 million, is the largest grant we've ever received in the history of Optimus," said Optimus CEO Ludwig Spinelli.

Optimus also celebrated the arrival of a community outreach health bus that, though funded separately, will help staff deliver services paid for with the new money.

"Yesterday, we had some wonderful news hit our desk: we were awarded an investment into both Southwest and to the entire City of Bridgeport through the American Rescue Plan. This investment is truly life-changing and life-saving." Mollie Melbourne of Southwest Community Health Center says.

"We really want to maximize the impact that we can make with these funds in reducing the COVID impact, making sure it doesn't come back," Optimus CEO Ludwig Spinelli says.