Ohio health centers get $3.2 million from federal government to address coronavirus

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $3,247,249 to help Ohio community health centers provide screening and testing, acquire medical supplies, boost their capacity to provide telehealth services, and provide other services during the coronavirus pandemic.

HHS said 51 Ohio health centers would be able to use the money provided through a coronavirus spending bill that Congress approved earlier this month. The $8.3 billion spending package included $100 million for community health centers nationwide. A statement from HHS Secretary Alex Azar called the grants a “rapid injection of resources” to health centers that will be “critical players in our national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown called the funding "a good first step but said more must be done. He said the HHS grants announced March 24 were in addition to the $15.6 million that was previously allotted to assist Ohio’s preparedness.