Tennessee is providing $10 million in grants to help out small and rural hospitals that are struggling as the coronavirus pandemic.
“Small and rural hospitals are critical to fighting COVID-19 and these grants will help complement federal aid dollars to ensure hospitals can continue delivering care through this crisis,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “These organizations not only provide care for existing needs but are also a key part of our efforts to build and maintain bed capacity during the expected surge of COVID-19 cases.”
Each hospital is eligible for up to $500,000 per hospital and will be distributed by the Department of Finance & Administration.
"For participating hospitals, the grants will serve as a bridge over the coming weeks while elective procedures are suspended and new federal funds are still processing," according to a press release.
Hospitals can apply here.
The Tennessee Hospital Association is pleased about the grants. President and CEO Wendy Long, M.D., released the following statement:
“It’s no secret Tennessee’s rural hospitals have faced significant financial challenges for several years. As all hospitals confront the COVID-19 pandemic, these facilities have been hit particularly hard by steep reductions in already limited volume and revenue due to the delay of elective procedures in accordance with state and federal guidance.
“These unanticipated shortfalls threaten hospital viability and the ability to respond to community needs related to COVID-19 and ongoing health needs. Multiple federal grant and loan programs, such as those offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Small Business Administration, already are proving useful to rural hospitals.
“Today’s announcement from Governor Lee presents a new option for these facilities as they work to establish plans of action that stabilize revenues and ensure continued operation through the current public health crisis. THA is grateful for the governor’s support and leadership in protecting rural hospitals. This program will bring much needed relief to many of our state’s community hospitals.”
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