Rural health clinics to get $424 million for COVID-19 response

More than 4,200 rural health clinics will receive $100,000 each in federal funds for COVID-19 testing and mitigation efforts.

RHCs, an official certification given to healthcare practices in underserved rural areas, can use the funding to maintain and increase COVID-19 testing, and to broaden efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, according to the Health Resources & Services Administration.

“Through our strong partnerships with RHCs, HRSA is committed to working together to mitigate the spread of the virus in rural communities,” said HRSA Acting Administrator Diana Espinosa.

The funding announcement comes as the parts of the country see vaccination rates lagging behind the rest of the country.

In total, clinics will receive more than $424 million. HRSA plans to award another $35 million later in the summer.

“Today’s funding will make it possible for more rural residents to access COVID-19 testing and will support and empower local community responses to COVID-19 so we can continue to turn the tide on this public health emergency,” Espinosa said.