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Wittman Requests More Funding for Nursing Homes
Washington,
May 13, 2020
To ensure First District seniors are protected, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan requesting that more direct relief funds be allocated to our nation’s nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities as they take care of patients suffering from the Coronavirus, as well as to ensure that we slow the spread of COVID-19. “Throughout the ongoing fight against COVID-19 in our nation, nursing homes have been at the front line and have, unfortunately, seen some of the greatest impact of this deadly disease,” said Wittman. “As a former public health official, I know that the battle against this virus is not yet finished and I believe strongly that we must provide the necessary resources for nursing homes to combat the Coronavirus and its effects. I will continue to call on my colleagues in Washington, as well as members of the administration to ensure that our nation’s seniors and those that are taking care of them during these difficult times are adequately funded and equipped to end our fight against the Coronavirus.” Specifically, Congressman Wittman requested that $10 billion be directed to nursing homes that have a significant presence of the virus in their facilities, as well as COVID-19 hot spots in our country. Read letter in full reproduced below, or click here. The Honorable Eric D. Hargan Dear Deputy Secretary Hargan, I appreciate the steps that you and the Administration have taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a former public health official, I am especially grateful for the dedication of countless the professionals across America who are working tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s public health. As you well know, skilled nursing centers in Virginia, and around the country, have seen an alarming number of deaths and the rapid spread of COVID-19. The residents of skilled nursing facilities are at greatest risk for serious outcomes with this disease. As nursing homes struggle to protect residents and staff, they need more help and additional resources to fight the virus. To address this deadly and fast spreading outbreak, please provide targeted relief to our nation’s nursing homes to meet and address this threat. I ask that you prioritize funding for skilled nursing facilities by allocating $10 billion to nursing homes that have a significant presence of the virus in their facilities as well as COVID-19 hot spots. Getting additional resources to the front lines will save lives. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for your work on behalf of our most vulnerable populations. Sincerely, |