Federal funding to support 4,500 rural health clinics across the country with nearly $50,000 each for COVID-19 testing.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $225 million in funding to help ensure access to COVID-19 testing for rural residents in underserved communities.
As announced in an HHS news release:
“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 COVID-19 testing procedures, and reporting data to HHS on COVID-19 testing activities,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “Funds may also be used for building or construction of temporary structures, leasing of properties, and retrofitting facilities as necessary to support COVID-19 response.”
According to the state-by-state breakdown, one rural community in Maryland was awarded $49,461 from the distribution.
Additionally, HRSA is awarding $500,000 to the rural health clinics for technical assistance to expand testing capabilities.
For more information:
HHS Provides $225 Million for COVID-19 Testing in Rural Communities (HHS news release)
