White House announced $8.5 billion for rural healthcare providers

The White House announced last week that it is allocating nearly $9 billion to help healthcare providers in rural U.S. communities that are struggling to fight COVID-19 (Source: “White House announces $8.5B boost to help rural areas fight COVID-19,” United Press International, Aug. 13).

The funding, $8.5 billion from the American Rescue Plan, will go to help rural hospitals stay open long-term, improve rural healthcare and strengthen their ability to fight COVID-19.

Other actions for the funding include expanding access to vaccines, testing and supplies, training new health providers, expanding telehealth services, opening access to pulmonary rehabilitation services and expanding Veterans Affairs training programs.