Gov. Kay Ivey announced that she had awarded an additional $80 million in COVID-19 recovery funds to provide reimbursements for Alabama hospitals and nursing homes on Wednesday.
The funding is derived from the state’s portion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars that the Alabama Legislature appropriated in January.
“Alabama is showing the rest of the country that we can learn to live with this virus and move on with living our lives,” asserted Ivey. “As we close the door on this thing, I once again give my utmost appreciation and thanks to the medical professionals and staff in our hospitals and nursing homes across the state. These men and women, no doubt, deserve our praise for getting us through this. I commend the Alabama Legislature for appropriating these dollars to continue helping our hospitals and nursing homes get back on their feet.”
According to the governor’s office, the funds will support two grant programs of up to $40 million each administered by the Alabama Hospital Association and the Alabama Nursing Home Association.
Don Williamson, president and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association, applauded Ivey and the legislature for their efforts to provide financial support for hospitals.
“For two years, Alabama’s hospitals and their staff have remained at the forefront of pandemic response, providing care to their communities 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week,” stated Williamson. “Alabama’s hospitals are grateful for the $40 million appropriated during the most recent special session. This financial assistance is part of the ongoing commitment of the administration and the Alabama legislature to ensure Alabama’s hospitals remain operational, preserving access to care for all Alabamians.”
Alabama Nursing Home Association president and CEO Brandon Farmer advised that the funding would ensure that nursing homes remain on sound financial footing.
“On behalf of Alabama long-term care sector, I thank Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature and the Department of Finance for allocating these funds to nursing homes and their consistent support throughout the pandemic,” said Farmer. “Governor Ivey has shown unwavering support to nursing homes throughout the pandemic. These funds will enable nursing homes to continue their recovery and provide the high-quality care patients and residents deserve.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
