Investments to Help Nearly 4,200 People in Socially Vulnerable Communities
ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 15, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Minnesota Colleen Landkamer today announced nearly $336,000 in grants to improve two senior living facilities and expand critical care in rural Minnesota for elderly residents.
“Having affordable, accessible health care infrastructure in rural areas is critical to the health and well-being of more than one million people living in small towns across Minnesota.” Landkamer said. “We’re thrilled to be helping these facilities ensure that they continue to address the needs of our elderly populations in the wake of the COVID – 19 pandemic.”
Minnesota Rural Development promotes a healthy community and environment through the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants to make sure all rural Minnesotans have access to the health care they need, even the in the most remote areas.
The investments will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies. They also will help regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and Tribes solve regional rural health care problems and build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system in response to the pandemic. For example:
- Heartland Senior Living (DBA Parkview Care Center) will use a $92,500 grant to recover lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery of lost funds will allow the senior living facility to continue with critical services in rural Minnesota.
- Kenyon Sunset Home will use a $243,100 grant to recover lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery of lost funds will allow the senior living facility to ensure available critical services in rural Minnesota.
Background: Emergency Rural Health Care Grants
Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 to deliver immediate economic relief to people impacted by the pandemic. Within months after the Act’s passage, USDA responded quickly by making this funding available to ensure the long-term availability of rural health care services.
In August 2021, USDA made the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the American Rescue Plan Act to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to health care services and nutrition assistance.
The assistance is helping provide immediate relief to support rural hospitals, health care clinics and local communities. USDA is administering the funds through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn.
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