HEALTHNET INC
Grant: $1,919,815 - Health Resources and Services Administration - Jun. 25, 2009
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Award Description: On June 25, 2009, HealthNet, a consumer-governed network of five Federally Qualified Health Centers located in federally designated Medically Underserved and Health Professional Shortage Areas in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, was awarded $1,919,815 in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Funding from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources Services Administration as part of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) grant program for Community Health Centers. The $1,919,815 in ARRA funding will be used as part of a $5,971,813, 20,000 square foot renovation of the former Indianapolis Masonic Lodge #669 which was purchased by the HealthNet Board of Directors in February 2007. The Masonic Lodge, located at 1522 West Morris Street, will be the future home of HealthNet’s Southwest Health Center, which is currently located at 2202 West Morris Street, and the Southwest OB/GYN Clinic Annex located at 1621 West Howard Street. The eighteen-month renovation project began with the pre-planning phase in November 2008 with plans to complete the renovation project by June 1, 2010, and begin operations no later than June 30th, 2010 and be at full capacity by the end of three years.. The existing 5,500 square foot Southwest Health Center facility and 2,900 square foot Southwest OB/GYN Clinic Annex facility are at capacity and have no room for expansion and combined treat roughly 7,700 patients per year. This number is well above prescribed capacity but is maintained by experienced and dedicated providers and expanded clinic hours (51 hours per week). The new Southwest Health Center facility will be 20,000 square foot compared to the 8,400 square foot of the two existing facilities combined. The new Southwest Health Center will have a total of 30 exam rooms for primary care and OB/GYN services, and a 2,200 square foot state-of-the-art eight operatory dental clinic as there are no dental providers in the area that accept Medicaid or offer a sliding fee scale for uninsured persons. The proposed project will create an estimated 37 construction-related FTEs and ultimately improve access and the quality of care for the 21,500 service area residents who live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level by enabling HealthNet to see an additional 8,300 patients at capacity. Specifically, the $1,919, 815 in ARRA funding will primarily be used for construction and equipment. Identified and registered sub-recipients for the project include Wurster Construction, Halstead Architects and Jack Kouwe, Owner’s Representative. Wurster Construction will be doing the vendor reporting/tracking for their portion of ARRA funds and HealthNet will report/track the vendors for Halstead (there will only be one or two vendors). There are no vendors associated with the owner's representative. Once HealthNet receives final approval from HRSA to proceed with the construction/renovation project (anticipated approval timeline of 10/05/09 through 10/10/09), HealthNet will begin the project within two weeks after receiving final approval. The new Southwest Health Center facility will also serve as a demonstration project for the city of Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainability for the use of green building techniques and materials, many of which haven’t been tested in this climate area before.
Project Description: From the period of July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009, HealthNet’s Chief Operating Officer and CIP Project Director, along with other senior management and administrative staff, have been addressing outstanding grant conditions that all community health centers had to comply with prior to 'breaking ground on the project. This included: 1) completing and filing the Notice of Federal Interest with the appropriate agencies, 2) Working with Halstead Architects to complete the NEPA (40 days); and, 3) receiving notification from the SHPO for HealthNet to proceed on the project (40 days). Other activities included: 1) Developing an internal reporting system for recipient, sub-recipient, and vendor reporting; 2) Registering as a recipient and coordinating the registration of sub-recipients; and, 3) Staff training on all ARRA reporting requirements In accordance with Federal Procurement Standards, Wurster Construction has also identified and secured construction-related vendors for the project. As of October 1, 2009, HealthNet has responded to and complied with all outstanding conditions identified in the Notice of Grant Award and is waiting for final approval from HRSA to begin the project.
Infrastructure Description: HealthNet’s CIP/Southwest Health Center renovation project meets the following purposes of the ARRA: 1) To preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery: HealthNet’s CIP/Southwest Health Center renovation project will create an estimated 37 construction-related FTEs. The funding provided to HealthNet has served as a catalyst in the completion of this project as other sources of funding have decreased (i.e. private foundations and donations), as a result of the recession. 2) To assist those most impacted by the recession: Two industries that have been significantly impacted by the recession are the construction and manufacturing industries. In 2008, there were 26,130 unemployed persons in Indianapolis/Marion County. As of August 2009, there are 41,394 unemployed persons in Indianapolis/Marion County with approximately 17% of these individuals from the construction and manufacturing industries (Indiana Department of Workforce Development, 2008 and 2009). The creation of new jobs through the ARRA will provide these industries, particularly the construction industry, work opportunities that will increase self-sufficiency and financial stability and reduce reliance on public assistance. While HealthNet has been undergoing a 3-year capital campaign for a new Southwest Health Center, without ARRA funding, it would have taken HealthNet much longer to secure the funds for a new Southwest Health Center to address the unmet need and increased demand for services in the area, and provide jobs/employment opportunities for construction workers who are currently unemployed and significantly impacted by the recession. The new Southwest Health Center will also enable HealthNet to provide health care to an additional 8,300 patients, at capacity, with an estimated 95 % of these patients living at or below 200% of the FPL and approximately 20% without insurance. 3) To provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health: A portion of the ARRA funding will be used to purchase state-of-the-art medical and dental equipment, including equipment that can interface with HealthNet’s new practice management and electronic medical records software systems. The first HealthNet site, Southwest Health Center, will go 'live on October 19, 2009. Such enhancements will improve the quality of care and efficiency of providers and staff. 4) To invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure development that will provide long term benefits: The project utilizes green/sustainable principles designed to reduce adverse on the environment which include: EXTERIOR: 1) green storm water management system with a pervious paver parking lot; native Contour Infiltration Planting to capture, infiltrate and redirect water run-off during large rains; and, native vegetative roofs on a portion of the facility to retain water, reduce water run off, and serve as an irrigation system; and, 2) Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) heat-reflective, energy efficient roofing system on the remaining parts of each roof which is 100% recyclable and contains ultraviolet inhibitors for added longevity. INTERIOR: 1) use of low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, sealants and adhesives that release little or no VOC pollutants and are virtually odor free; 2) Energy Star efficient variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC systems which are lightweight, modular, easier to install than a chiller system and ductless which eliminates airflow loss resulting in more efficient energy usage; 3) emphasis on recycled content materials for interior finishes; 4) Dilution ventilation system for improved indoor air quality, and indoor humidity and air contaminants control; 5) southern/western exposure windows to maximize daylight and heat control, and reduce electricity use; 6) reverse osmosis water system for dental clinics and automatic public toilets to conserve water during low use periods.
Jobs Summary: There have been no jobs created during this reporting period. The project will start in the next reporting period. (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Not Started
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