Essential Hospitals Need Targeted, Ongoing COVID-19 Relief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America's Essential Hospitals

WASHINGTON - While the latest Provider Relief Fund (PRF) distribution is welcome news, essential hospitals continue to confront extreme labor costs and staff shortages and need targeted relief from remaining fund dollars and new sources of support.

We urge the administration to immediately release remaining PRF dollars and keep a focus on equity, as with previous Phase 4 distributions, by targeting providers caring for underserved communities and underrepresented populations.

We also urge Congress to establish emergency funding to meet the workforce needs of essential hospitals and other providers during public health emergencies and to appropriate at least $20 billion for this effort. These funds also should target providers with the greatest financial need and those that care for large numbers of low-income and other high-risk patients.

America's Essential Hospitals has detailed its priorities for ongoing COVID-19 relief in this recent letter to congressional leaders and will not rest until essential hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic have the support they need.

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About America's Essential Hospitals
America's Essential Hospitals is the leading champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education. Communities depend on essential hospitals to provide specialized, lifesaving services; train the health care workforce; advance public health and health equity; and coordinate care. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead the way to more effective and efficient care. Learn more at essentialhospitals.org.

Contact:
Carl Graziano
[email protected]
202.585.0102

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