SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)-- The Caring Health Center is one of three Massachusetts community health centers awarded funding to expand operating hours. In an effort to improve access to health care, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is providing the state with $1.5-million to pay for staff to cover additional early morning, night, and weekend shifts. Caring Health Center of Springfield receives $100,000 gift from Florence Bank The expansion of operating hours is important for people who are uninsured, underinsured, or have Medicaid coverage and struggle to find affordable care outside of traditional business hours and cannot afford expensive visits to urgent care, retail clinics or emergency departments. It will also make it easier for those who work during traditional daytime business hours to get medical appointments that better suit their schedules. “No one should have to delay or skip a trip to the doctor because of work or school. The millions of Americans who can’t miss their daytime work shift, whose kids are in school, who have limited child care, or who face transportation challenges deserve the same access to quality care,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “These investments will help to extend operating hours, especially for patients in rural or underserved communities nationwide. I'm proud to be part of an Administration that leaves nobody behind.” “Today’s action is another example of the Biden-Harris Administration taking action to address the challenges families face in getting health care services,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Having the option to get to the doctor before or after work or on the weekend not only helps families get the care they need, but it also helps relieve some of the stress and burden on families trying to arrange care. HRSA’s investment is expanding access to care in a way that recognizes the day-to-day realities of working families across the country.”  The Massachusetts health centers receiving funding are: Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, Inc., Dorchester-$500,000 Healthfirst Family Care Center, Inc., Fall River-$500,000 Caring Health Center, Inc., Springfield-$500,000 To find a health center anywhere in the United States, use this link.