Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced the award of $100 million in coronavirus relief funds for grants to state nursing homes and hospitals to aid in the fight against COVID-19.
“While there are many aspects of COVID-19 that we still don’t know, one thing that isn’t in dispute is our seniors and those with preexisting health conditions fair the worst when contracting the virus,” Ivey said in a statement. “Protecting our most vulnerable citizens remains a priority for my administration, and it is incumbent to ensure that our nursing homes and hospitals have every tool possible to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as well as keep their staff and health care professionals safe as they offer exceptional care to those who are ill.”
One of the two grant programs will provide up to $50 million to be used by Alabama nursing homes for personal protective equipment, cleaning, personnel costs and “other costs incurred related to the pandemic,” according to a press release from Ivey’s office.
The Alabama Nursing Home Association Education Foundation will administer the funds, according to Ivey’s office. The non-profit previously received $18.27 million in federal coronavirus relief aid to pay for testing and proactive surveillance of COVID-19 for health care workers and nursing home residents.
“On behalf of Alabama’s nursing homes, I thank Governor Ivey for her continued commitment to assisting the residents and staff in our facilities,” said Brandon Farmer, president of the Alabama Nursing Home Association, in a statement. “Our nursing homes continue to provide high quality, compassionate care despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. These funds will help cover the unexpected and ongoing costs we incur during this pandemic and allow us to focus on caring for those most vulnerable to this virus.”
The Alabama Hospital Association will administer up to $50 million through the other grant program to state hospitals, according to the release.
“Despite unprecedented challenges and financial strains as a result of the pandemic, Alabama’s hospitals have continued to rise to the occasion in meeting the health care needs of our citizens,” said Dr. Don Williamson, president of the Alabama Hospital Association, in a statement. “Our hospitals thank Governor Ivey and her administration for the continued support and financial assistance. This will go a long way to ensure hospitals are able to care for all patients who need hospital services and protect their employees while doing so.”
The two grant programs were funded from the approximately $1.9 billion the state received through the CARES Act. Up to $250 million of that money has been earmarked for the delivery of health care in the state’s battle with coronavirus.
