CalViva Health is awarding $900,000 in grants to help recruit primary-care physicians in areas where they’re needed in Fresno, Madera and Kings counties.

“The shortage of physicians in California creates challenges for all health plans, especially in the

Central Valley,” Gregory Hund, CEO of CalViva Health, said in a press release. “These funds will result in the recruitment of nine new primary-care physicians or specialists based upon the greatest needs of our members.”

The CalViva Health’s Community Support Program grants will be divided between the following local healthcare organizations:

– Camarena Health in Oakhurst and Chowchilla

– Clinica Sierra Vista in Fresno

– Family Healthcare Network in Hanford

– United Health Centers in Orange Cove

– Valley Health Team in Clovis

CalViva Health selected grantees based on proposed impact, organization stability and program benefit to members. In addition, areas with the greatest need for improved access to care were heavily considered, the press release continues.

“United Health Centers is located in one of the most economically challenged communities of the Central Valley, and this funding will help place a physician in our Orange Cove location to provide much-needed care for everyone that comes through our front doors,” Justin Preas, Deputy CEO of United Health Centers, stated in the press release. “CalViva Health continues to be an amazing partner, and their support helps United Health Centers to further their mission as a premier provider of healthcare in the Central Valley.”

“The Community Support Program Grant from CalViva Health will provide critical funding to

increase physician coverage at our Community Health Center sites,” added Soyla Reyna-Griffin,

CEO of Valley Health Team. “At a time when there is great uncertainty with Community Health Center funding, we truly appreciate our partnership with CalViva Health.”

CalViva Health is a local Medi-Cal health plan serving residents in Fresno, Kings, and Madera counties.