The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $1.1 million in grants to community health centers on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

According to a news release from Hawaii Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, $470,709 in federal funds has been awarded to the Waimanalo Health Center on Oahu. Among other things, the funding will be used to help care for the uninsured.

Hirono said yesterday $322,710 will be used by the Hana Community Health Care Center on Maui to aid in the purchase of medical supplies and to help pay salaries

She says $349,228 will address salary support for Bay Clinic Inc.'s community health system on the Big Island. Bay Clinic provides comprehensive primary, preventive and urgent medical, dental and behavioral health care to low-income and medically underserved people.