A $1.3 million federal health care grant issued to Pearl-based Family Health Care Clinic makes it one of the first organizations in the state to benefit from the recently signed stimulus bill.

The money will help open three health care clinics in southwest Mississippi, creating an estimated 70 jobs, including about 30 full-time positions.

Margaret Gray, chief executive for Family Health Care Clinic in Pearl, said the money should roll in within a matter of days. Gray says once in hand, the clinics should be open within 90 to 120 days. The new clinics will be in Lincoln, Franklin and Wilkinson counties.

Family Health Care Clinic operates 14 clinics in 10 counties. The clinics provide primary health care, dental care and nutrition services to low-income and uninsured individuals.