HHS provides funding to Montana health centers to combat COVID-19 crisis

Note: This was provided by the Office of Rep. Greg Gianforte

WASHINGTON — Congressman Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will award more than $1.3 billion to nearly 1,400 health centers nationwide, including more than $9.1 million to support 14 health centers in Montana.

“Montana doctors, nurses and medical staff are heroes who are on the front lines treating patients and protecting our communities amid the COVID-19 outbreak,” Gianforte said. “This funding will help them fulfill their mission and provide critical care during this public health crisis.”

  Gianforte is running for Montana governor and faces Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and state Sen. Al Olszewski, R-Kalispell, in the Republican primary election.

According to HHS, health centers may use the awards to help communities detect COVID-19; prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19; and maintain or increase health capacity and staffing levels to address the coronavirus-related public health emergency.

March 19, Gianforte urged congressional leaders to include long-term reauthorization of public health programs, including community health centers, in a legislative package addressing the COVID-19 outbreak. The reauthorization was part of the bipartisan CARES Act, enacted into law March 27.

HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration provided the following CARES supplemental funding awards for Montana:

• Bighorn Valley Health Center in Hardin — $685,130

• Bullhook Community Health Center in Havre — $588,020

• Butte-Silver Bow Primary Health Care Clinic — $758,450

• Community Health Care Center in Great Falls — $503,000

• Community Health Partners Clinic in Livingston — $759,005

• Flathead County — $696,170

• Glacier Community Health Center in Cut Bank — $557,240

• Lincoln County Community Health Center in Libby — $659,900

• Marias Healthcare Services in Shelby — $616,070

• Missoula County — $874,850

• Montana Migrant & Seasonal Farm Workers Council in Billings — $610,070

• Pureview Health Center in Helena — $503,000

• Sapphire Community Health in Hamilton — $536,690

• Yellowstone City-County Health Department — $828,185

More information about the HHS awards may be found at https://bphc.hrsa.gov/emergency-response/coronavirus-cares-FY2020-awards/mt .