LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters of Michigan announced on Friday, March 26th, that more than 45 million dollars in funding will go towards helping health centers in Western Michigan respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a press release, funds can be used for staffing, personal protective equipment, screening, testing, and other needs deemed necessary. This funding comes from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and was included in the American Rescue Plan that was signed into law on March 11, 2021, with Kalamazoo receiving 5.9 million dollars.
“While working on the relief package, I fought to increase funding for health centers to help them meet the needs of the communities they serve during this crisis. The nurses, doctors and health care providers in these centers are on the front lines of this public health crisis and have been challenged like never before. This funding will help meet the urgent need for personal protective equipment, test kits, and staffing in these centers. I’m grateful for their work keeping Michigan families safe,” said Senator Stabenow.
“As more Michiganders become eligible to receive COVID vaccines, it is critical that health care centers in underserved communities have the resources needed to accelerate vaccination efforts,” said Senator Peters. “I am pleased that this robust funding – which I helped pass and enact as part of the American Rescue Plan – will help these centers increase vaccinations, bolster testing, expand treatment and provide preventive medical care to Michiganders at higher risk of infection. I will keep working to ensure Michigan has the resources and support needed to get through this crisis and beyond.”
“These funds will allow Michigan community health centers to expand COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable populations in an equitable manner, while at the same time providing preventive and primary health care services to those at high risk,” said Dennis Litos, CEO of the Michigan Primary Care Association.
