After learning more about Healthy Options for Kansas Communities’ financial picture, Sedgwick County commissioners today instructed staff to send the non-profit group $20,000.

Commissioners previously had approved the funding, pending more information about the group’s financial status.

Formerly called Health Options of Planeview, the group has been struggling because of funding cuts. Healthy Options provides medical and dental care to low-income patients, many of whom are uninsured.

Healthy Options has laid off some of its staff indefinitely and instituted one-day-a-week furloughs this month to try to continue services while improving its bottom line.

Commissioner Gwen Welshimer has been the group’s biggest supporter on the board. Commissioner Kelly Parks this morning noted that the county gives money for “parties and festivals” and should be willing to support a group that cares for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.