Community health centers in Utah are receiving $2.9 million in federal stimulus funds, a boost that will help the struggling centers see more patients.

Utah's centers, which offer low-cost care to low-income patients, have seen increased demand with the economy's downturn, and some have been forced to turn patients away.

The federal funds will allow 11 centers statewide to provide care to an additional 14,572 patients over the next two years, many of them uninsured, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates.

The centers also will create or retain approximately 31 jobs. The federally qualified health centers treat a mix of patients, but must provide services on a sliding fee basis to people who live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Nationally, centers are receiving $338 million. The funds, provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, come as more Americans join the ranks of the uninsured.

"More Americans are losing their health insurance and turning to health centers for care," said Mary Wakefield, Health Resources and Services administrator, said in a statement. "These grants will aid centers in their efforts to provide care to an increasing number of patients during the economic downturn."

To find a health center near you or to learn more about health centers, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov