Washington, D.C.— Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $11.7 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing capabilities in Colorado. The funds, which were included in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Health Care Enhancement Act, will be granted to nineteen HRSA-funded health centers across the state to help bolster COVID-19 testing in local communities.
“As we navigate this pandemic, it is clear widespread testing is an essential part of informing our response, especially in underserved and minority communities,” said Bennet. “This funding is welcome news for our state and will provide much-needed assistance to the COVID-19 testing efforts in cities and rural communities across Colorado. We must ensure health centers have the resources required to perform the level of testing needed to open the economy safely.”
The $11.7 million in funding will help health centers purchase personal protective equipment for employees; conduct outreach, procurement, and administration of tests; to train staff; and expand walk-up or drive-up testing capabilities.
More information on the funding awards from HHS is available HERE. A breakdown of the funding awarded to Colorado is available HERE.