Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes Atwater appearance, touts funds for rural clinics, upgrades at Castle Family Health Services
U. S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a new funding stream for health clinics nationwide, $102 million aimed at expanding access to primary care, including in rural communities
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a news conference at the Health and Human Services Department on April 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. Kennedy spoke about the intent of the FDA "to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply. " (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)Reading Time:< 1minuteU. S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made an appearance in Atwater on Thursday, where he unveiled a new funding stream for health clinics nationwide, $102 million aimed at expanding access to primary care, including in rural communities. Kennedy, accompanied by federal Health Resources and Services Administrator Thomas Engels, made the announcement Thursday afternoon at Castle Family Health Services in Atwater. The announcement included news that Castle is one of dozens of clinics across the country that are being upgraded to full Federally Qualified Health Center status, which will open doors to additional grant funding that has previously been unavailable. This story will be updated. Tim Sheehan is the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative’s Health Care Reporting Fellow, covering issues of health access, equity and more across the San Joaquin Valley. He is a lifelong resident. . . More by Tim SheehanPost navigation