The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) on Monday announced a $500,000 donation to the Alabama Department of Public Health to assist with testing and critical equipment in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Governor Kay Ivey applauded the donation in a statement.

“I commend the Poarch Creek Indians for their generosity during this time,” the governor said. “These funds will save lives and greatly assist the State in our battle of COVID-19. Thank you for all you do for Alabama.”

The funding will help protect heroic frontline workers and expand testing capabilities to all communities throughout the Yellowhammer State.

The Alabama Department of Public Health further called the donation “very generous.”

“Each county in the state will benefit from the donation,” added State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. “Much-needed testing equipment and supplies will be purchased for county health departments. We are especially grateful because the tribe’s partnership and support of public health will enhance our capabilities to reach rural, underserved areas of the state.”

Poarch Creek CEO and Tribal Chair Stephanie A. Bryan commented, “The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is proud to be able to assist the state of Alabama in battling COVID-19. We recognize that access to testing is a critical component of safely reopening our economy and are compelled to assist the State in controlling the spread of COVID-19.”

PCI has previously made several contributions to the fight against COVID-19. Earlier this month, the tribe donated funds to the American Red Cross for the purchase of a new Bloodmobile.

Additionally, PCI started producing lifesaving PPE earlier this year and even donated one million dollars to a local hospital.

RELATED: Poarch Band of Creek Indians leaders praise Trump administration’s coronavirus response

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn