Hawai'i health centers will receive $8 million in federal grants to address immediate and pressing facility and equipment needs and to increase access to health care for island residents.

The money is part of $850 million in stimulus grants announced yesterday in Washington by first lady Michelle Obama.

Hawai'i Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka said in a news release that the funds will strengthen the ability of Island health care providers to meet the increasing needs of their communities.

The money is being distributed to health centers on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and the Big Island. The largest single Hawai'i grant is for $1 million, for the Wai'anae District Comprehensive Health and Hospital Board.