Kay Ivey awards $80 million in COVID-19 relief funds to hospitals and nursing homes
On Wednesday, Gov. Kay Ivey awarded an additional $80 million of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to provide reimbursements for the state’s hospitals and nursing homes. These funds will support two grant programs of up to $40 million each, one administered by the Alabama Hospital Association and the other by the Alabama Nursing Home Association. Alabama received $2.1 million in ARPA funds, and the Alabama Legislature appropriated $80 million from Alabama’s State Fiscal Recovery Fund for these programs. “Alabama is showing the rest of the country that we can learn to live with this virus and move on with living our lives. 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,” stated Ivey. “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.” Don Williamson, MD, President and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association applauded Ivey’s efforts to provide funding to Alabama’s 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.” Brandon Farmer, Alabama Nursing Home Association President & CEO, thanked Ivey for her efforts to help patients and residents receive high-quality care. “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,” stated 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.”
Kay Ivey awards $10 million to volunteer fire departments
Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $10 million of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to establish COVID recovery grants for volunteer fire departments. This program provides support to Alabama’s volunteer fire departments impacted by the covid-19 pandemic. “Alabama’s first responders, including our community’s volunteer fire departments, are vital in keeping our state safe. While states across the country and the entire globe dealt with the curveballs the pandemic threw, our volunteer fire departments kept going,” stated Ivey. “I am proud to have worked with the Alabama Legislature to direct these funds to good use as our local volunteer fire departments recover. I am pleased to support them and encourage them to take advantage of this grant program.” The state of Alabama will offer grants in an amount up to $10,320 for providers that meet eligibility requirements. The application period for the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department COVID Recovery Grant program will be open from noon, March 7 through noon, March 25, 2022. Alabama received $2.1 million in ARPA funds, and the Alabama Legislature appropriated $136,796,346 from Alabama’s State Fiscal Recovery Revenue Replacement Fund for this program.
