Gov. Ivey awards $35 million to establish healthcare grant program

On Sept. 24, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced that she was awarding $35 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds to establish the Alabama Health Care and Emergency Response Providers Grant Program.

These grants will go to supporting providers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The health crisis we continue to face has had significant impact on many fronts. Certainly, individuals, groups and different industries have felt a financial toll, which is why I am proud to continue getting the CARES Act money into the hands of Alabamians who need it,” Ivey said. “The State of Alabama was awarded $1.9 billion in CARES Act money, and my team and I will continue working hard to get it directly to those individuals and groups who have been impacted.”

The state will offer cash grants in an amount of up to $15,000 – on a first-come-first serve basis, for Alabama health care and emergency response providers that meet eligibility requirements. The application period for the grant program will be open from noon on Oct. 5 through noon on Oct. 16.

Eligible providers for this grant program include primary care clinics, ambulance and EMS service providers, pharmacies, physician offices, dentist offices, outpatient car centers, medical and diagnostic labs, home health care businesses, assisted living facilities and physical therapy offices. Other clinics and health practitioner’s officers may be eligible but will need to specify their services upon applying.

Emergency response providers that are eligible for the grant program include rescue squad organizations, volunteer fire departments, 911 boards and other emergency response providers that will have to specify their services upon applying.

“Like many professions, Alabama physicians have been severely impacted by the pandemic but have continued to provide care to Alabama citizens throughout the crisis,” Alabama Medical Association Executive Director Mark Jackson said. “In fact, a recent COVID-19 impact survey revealed that more than 70 percent of Alabama physicians have experienced a severe financial impact on their practice, causing a disruption in their business operations, and limiting access to care.

“We applauded Gov. Ivey for making these funds available and believe that they will be critical to ensuring that physicians can continue to provide services to those who are in need of medical care.”