Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $892,000 Direct Investment for Choptank Community Health System in Second FY24 Funding Package

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $892,000 in direct federal funding for Choptank Community Health System (CCHS) in Kent County within the fiscal year 2024 funding package passed by the Senate on March 23. These funds, included at the Senators’ request, will be used to renovate the Chestertown Health Center to offer affordable, comprehensive dental services for adult and pediatric patients. They will also enable CCHS to partner with NYU Langone Health to bring general dentistry and pediatric dental residents to the region. The Senators included over $40 million in federal dollars directly for Maryland within the legislation, in addition to the over $160 million they secured in the initial package passed on March 8. In total, the Senators secured over $200 million for local projects across the state for FY24. President Biden signed the second package into law on March 23, averting a partial government shutdown.

“Expanding access to affordable dental care is key to enhancing Marylanders’ overall health and well-being. This direct federal investment will support Choptank Community Health’s efforts to bring more dental health providers to Kent County and to increase care for local patients of all ages – helping to ensure more Marylanders have better access to essential care,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Choptank Community Health System fills an important need to increase access to health care and dental care, in our rural communities,” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland fought to secure federal investment in Choptank Health’s services because their work strengthens the health of our Kent County and Chestertown communities, and in turn the State of Maryland. We are responding directly to the needs of Marylanders and remain committed to bringing new federal resources to our state.”

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our partners in Chestertown, Kent County, Maryland, and our federal leaders for investing in our community and accessible healthcare in this meaningful way,” said Choptank Health CEO and President Sara Rich. “This support will go a long way in providing more access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrative healthcare for individuals and families living in the Chestertown area.”

A full list of the funds included by Senator Van Hollen in both fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills is here. A full list of the funds included by Senator Cardin is here.