WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide more than $19.5 million in funding to more than 75 rural hospitals in Minnesota for coronavirus testing and mitigation efforts.

“Strengthening access to quality health care in rural areas is crucial to the success and prosperity of our state,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This federal funding will make a big difference by supporting residents of rural communities. As we continue to fight the coronavirus pandemic, I’ll keep working to ensure all Minnesotans can receive the care and services they need.”

“As I’ve traveled across Minnesota, I’ve seen how the pandemic has taken an especially difficult toll on health providers and Minnesotans living in our state’s small towns and rural areas,” said Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Health Committee. “These grants will help ensure that rural hospitals in Minnesota will be able to take important steps to fight COVD-19 and to give patients access to testing services.”

“As our hospitals and health systems go into fall experiencing another stress test, the news of this funding support for 70 of our rural sites will help to sustain their heroic and continued COVID-19 efforts,” said Rahul Koranne M.D., president and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association. “We are deeply grateful to both Senator Klobuchar and Senator Smith as well as all federal and state leaders for the work they are doing to advocate for our members as they continue to experience challenges of the pandemic while also doing everything possible to maintain the high quality of care their care teams provide each day and night to their patients and communities.”

This funding will maintain or increase coronavirus testing and support mitigation activities such as contact tracing, the distribution of personal protective equipment, the establishment of alternate testing sites, and testing education. More information can be found here.

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