Metropolitan Community Health Services’ effort to obtain grant funding through a competitive process is expected to receive a boost next week.

On Monday, Washington’s City Council will consider authorizing the mayor to sign a letter of support related to Metropolitan’s application for continued federal funds through the Service Area Competition grant program. Metropolitan is asking the city to provide the letter of support in an effort to enhance its application.

Metropolitan is seeking a $981,750 grant. Currently, Metropolitan is the recipient of $1.043 million in similar grant funding.

Metropolitan serves residents in Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Washington and Tyrrell counties. The Agape Community Health Center in Washington is a part of the Metropolitan family, as is a similar clinic in Williamston.

“Without the primary care services that Metropolitan provides, many patients would forgo necessary and preventable health care and see their health status decline. In spite of the increased number of uninsured, and the ever-present challenges of this economy, Metropolitan continues to increase its service offerings and ensure that its patients have a medical home,” reads a draft letter of support reads a memorandum from City Manager Brian Alligood to the mayor and council members.

The draft also reads: “The City of Washington encourages the Bureau of Primary Health Care to support your grant application for continued funding and we commend your organization’s service to the residents of Washington.”

In 2013, Metropolitan, a faith-based nonprofit organization, served 2,472 “unique” patients, of which 54 percent were medically uninsured at the time of service, according to a document included in the council’s agenda packet for its Monday meeting.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s web­site at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “Government” then “City Council” heading, then click “Meeting Agendas” on the menu to the right. Then click on the date for the appropriate agenda.