U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $9,833,557 to support 28 health centers in expanding their capacity for coronavirus testing. This funding is made as part of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act which was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump at the end of April.
Health centers receiving funding include Rainelle Medical Center, receiving $288,379, and the Monroe County Health Department, receiving $242,014.
“As we enter a new phase in our response to the coronavirus outbreak, continuing our work to increase testing capabilities remains a top priority,” said Senator Capito. “Expanding the testing capabilities of our health centers will allow our state to be more responsive to our rural communities and better contain individual outbreaks. Additionally, this funding will help support our hard working and dedicated healthcare professionals by providing additional training, laboratory services, and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) West Virginia has been a leader for our country in responding to the coronavirus, and I could not be more proud of the efforts of our citizens. I am encouraged to see this funding coming into our state and the crucial support it will provide.”
“As states across America prepare to slowly reopen, we must work to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities across the country and in West Virginia to ensure we can safely open our businesses and communities,” said Senator Manchin. “Our health centers are on the front lines of the pandemic and continue to provide rapid COVID-19 testing for many West Virginians across the Mountain State. I will continue fight for our healthcare providers to ensure that they have resources they need to expand rapid testing and care for their fellow West Virginians.”
