Today, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) has provided $225 million to Rural Health Clinics (RHC) for COVID-19 testing.
These investments will support over 4,50 RHCs across the country to support COVID-19 testing efforts and expand access to testing in rural communities. RHCs are a special designation given to health care practices in underserved rural areas by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to help ensure access to care for rural residents.
Funding is provided through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act that President Trump signed into law on Friday, April 24, 2020 which specifically directed these monies to be allocated to RHCs. HRSA funded RHC organizations based on the number of certified clinic sites they operate and providing nearly $50,000 per site.
According to Alex Azar, HHS Secretary: “Today’s funding provides rural health clinics with resources and flexibility to boost their testing capabilities to fight COVID-19. Further expanding testing capacity, including at RHCs is a crucial element of safely reopening our country and helping Americans return to work and school.
“The funding may be used for a wide range COVID-19 testing and related expenses including planning for implementation of a COVID-19 testing program, procuring supplies to provide testing, training providers and staff on COVIDE-19 testing procedures and reporting data to HHS on COVID-19 testing activities.” Said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels.
HRSA is also awarding $500,000 to support technical assistance efforts to RHCs as they expand testing capabilities. This includes activities such as conducting webinars, providing resources and guidance for implementation and management of testing program.
To read the full article released by HHS click on the link below.
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/05/20/hhs-provides-225-million-for-covid19-testing-in-rural-communities.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=5202020&utm_term=rural-health-funding&utm_campaign=rural-covid19-testing-funding-announcement&fbclid=IwAR1iZcDJ1SwNQEpbhkO9YClkVpN37bvOyfoqjh76DZmU01MpxNS33Za8rVs