05.10.12 Louisiana's community health centers are getting a needed shot in the arm to the tune of about $8.5 million thanks to grants from the much-contested Affordable Care Act of 2010. Last week, it was announced by federal health officials that several organizations around the state will get a portion of the $728 million awarded nationwide to specifically target expansion of community health facilities and improving services.

Locally, that means the David Raines Community Health Center in Shreveport will get $491,096. According to Willie C. White III, chief executive officer of DRCHC, they will use the money to renovate two of its five locations - the pediatric area at the Bossier City location and the lab area of the Minden facility. Additionally, the Minden facility will be upgraded to make it more accessible.

"Community health centers have to be competitive with any other private providers," White said. "We have gone to great lengths to do that."