Rep. Pete Aguilar and SAC Health System (SACHS) announced a federal grant of $300,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The grant funding will allow SACHS to implement an electronic dental health record program in order to allow primary care providers to access patients’ oral health histories and needs, improving coverage for patients throughout San Bernardino County.

“Modernizing our health care systems is one of the best ways to make sure more Inland Empire families can access coverage. I’m proud of the work SACHS has done to expand health care services in our region, and I’ll continue advocating for federal funding to provide better health outcomes for people in regions like San Bernardino County,” said Aguilar.

“This HRSA grant will allow us to expand dental care to patients at all our sites in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including mobile dental services,” commented Dr. Jason Lohr, President and CEO of SAC Health System.

“The integrated electronic communication between providers and staff will assist in improving dental education, oral health assessments and will increase efficiency of access to the SAC Health System dental department. Integration will help improve outcomes for our patients,” said  Gemma Gonzales, Dental Director, SAC Health System.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for determining federal spending levels. Earlier this year, Aguilar voted to increase funding levels for HRSA, the agency responsible for this grant funding.