NASHVILLE, TENN. – State Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, on Monday announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded $192,454 to East Tennessee State University to expand COVID-19 testing.
East Tennessee State University was one of 29 health centers across the state chosen to receive federal dollars to assist during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I’m very pleased that East Tennessee State University will receive these additional resources to aid in the fight against Covid-19,” said State Rep. Matthew Hill. “Until there is a vaccine, testing and self-isolating will be a critical part in stopping the spread of this potentially deadly infection. Expanded testing will help to limit hospitalizations and fatalities in our community. I appreciate President Donald Trump, HHS and the HRSA for making these resources available.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration awarded nearly $583 million to 1,385 HRSA-funded health centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and eight U.S. territories to expand COVID-19 testing. Nearly 88 percent of HRSA-funded health centers report testing patients, with more than 65 percent offering walk-up or drive-up testing. Health centers are currently providing more than 100,000 weekly COVID-19 tests in their local communities.
The funding for health centers is part of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, signed into law by President Trump on April 24.
Across the U.S., health centers are currently providing more than 100,000 weekly COVID-19 tests in their local communities.
To learn more, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/05/07/hhs-awards-more-than-half-billion-across-the-nation-to-expand-covid19-testing.html