CINCINNATI — The Greater Cincinnati Health Bridge Inc. will receive $13.8 million in federal funding to help health providers utilize health information technology in a 16-county area, including parts of the Miami Valley.

The announcement was made Thursday, Sept. 2, by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who was scheduled to make the announcement in Cincinnati.

The money comes through The Beacon program, created through the Health Information Technology Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009, which was included in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.

Local counties participating in the program include Butler, Champaign, Clark, Greene and Warren. Other local counties will be served by the Greater Dayton Area Health Information Network, which will be housed by the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association.

The funds will be disbursed during a three-year period.

HealthBridge provides connectivity for more than 28 hospitals, 5,500 physician users, 17 local health departments, 700 physician offices and clinics, as well as nursing homes, independent labs, radiology centers and other health care locations.