Metro Community Health Centers Awarded $1.34M to Expand Dental and Behavioral Health Services

Metro Community Health Centers has been awarded $1.34 million through New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to expand access to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This funding represents the largest grant in Metro’s history and will support the organization’s Dental & Behavioral Health Renovation Project—an initiative focused on improving access to specialized, compassionate care for patients who have historically faced barriers to treatment.

The investment will allow Metro to expand its dental and behavioral health services, reduce appointment wait times, and create more accessible, responsive care environments tailored to the needs of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“For many people with developmental disabilities, access to care hasn’t always been available in the way it should be,” said Michele Quigley. “This investment allows us to change that—to build environments where patients are not only treated, but truly supported, understood, and cared for.”

“Access to high-quality dental care and experienced providers remains a significant challenge for people with disabilities,” said Dr. Nazeri, Senior Lead Dentist. “This grant allows us to expand our dental services, reduce wait times, and improve access to specialized, compassionate care.”

This funding is part of a broader $25 million statewide investment announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to expand health clinics and improve care access across New York.

Metro Community Health Centers remains committed to building a more accessible, inclusive model of care and advancing services that meet the needs of the communities it serves.

Read the full announcement from New York State:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-30-awards-statewide-totaling-25-million-expand-health-clinics-and