TULSA, Okla. — Millions of dollars are on the way to fund Oklahoma's coronavirus response. The money is coming from the American Rescue Plan, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, $63.8 million is dedicated to 21 Oklahoma health centers, serving the most vulnerable populations.
The government is going to start awarding the money in April. Two centers in Tulsa are selected to receive funding, including Community Health Connection.
The health center's CEO Jim McCarthy, said, “We’re hoping that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We want to do our part, and we know we can be a big part of the solution if we have the resources to make that happen.”
COVID-19 turned the medical field upside down. Small community health centers had to shift to new responsibilities quickly by testing then vaccinating thousands of people without hiring extra hands to do it.
“This money is very important to us,” McCarthy said.
Community Health Connection will stretch $4.4 million over the next two years. Tulsa's other health center, Morton Comprehensive Health Services, gets $5.6 million.
“We’re only as safe and as healthy as our weakest link in the community,” said Susan Savage, CEO of Morton.
The extra funding also means new job opportunities. Community Health Connection is looking for an additional vaccination team that includes a scheduler, provider, nurses, and assistants.
Trending Stories:
- Green Country parents split on COVID-19 vaccine for youth
- DOWNLOAD the 2 Works for You app for alerts
- CDC issues new guidelines to celebrate Easter amid pandemic
- FOLLOW 2 Works for You on Facebook
- Why vaccine passports could soon be required to travel
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
