WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today several Kentucky hospitals received a total of $150,014,827 of additional federal resources to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The federal funding was made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Healthcare Provider Fund. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act, which became the largest economic rescue package in American history, and led it to enactment in about a week. 

“In recent months, I’ve visited hospitals across Kentucky to personally thank our healthcare heroes working around the clock to protect families from COVID-19. I’m proud my CARES Act continues to support their courageous work,” said Senator McConnell. “As the only one of the four congressional leaders not from New York or California, it’s my responsibility to keep focus on Middle America and Kentucky in particular. It’s my privilege to continue working with Kentucky’s medical professionals to ensure they have the resources to keep our communities safe from this virus.” 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services distributed the CARES Act funding with focuses on (1) safety net hospitals, (2) rural providers, and (3) hospitals serving high-impact communities or “hot spots.” So far, Kentucky has received more than $1.3 billion from the CARES Act Healthcare Provider Fund. 

Among states with similar populations, Kentucky has received the second most federal funding from the Healthcare Provider Fund. 

The following hospitals are among the Kentucky facilities receiving a portion of the $150 million in federal funding:

 

“Early estimates indicate the negative impact of COVID-19 could exceed $100 million for our system,” said Tom Miller, CEO of UofL Health. “Senator McConnell’s leadership to secure CARES Act funding has allowed UofL Health to continue caring for our community by meeting new demands on health care, in areas such as telehealth, enhanced sanitization protocols and four drive-thru testing sites.” 

“Senator McConnell has made a clear commitment to supporting our healthcare heroes as we battle COVID-19, and we’re appreciative of his leadership for Kentucky in the Senate,” said St. Elizabeth Healthcare CEO Garren Colvin. “St. Elizabeth’s is proud to continue leading the fight against this virus. Senator McConnell’s CARES Act continues equipping our medical professionals and staff with the resources to beat this pandemic and protect our community.” 

“Med Center Health is grateful for the continuing support of Senator Mitch McConnell as we respond to the healthcare needs of the increasing number of COVID-19 patients across South Central Kentucky. To date, The Medical Center at Bowling Green has provided inpatient care to over 270 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.  Senator McConnell recognizes the financial hardship this pandemic has created for hospitals like The Medical Center,” said Connie Smith, President and CEO of Bowling Green based Med Center Health.  

“We are grateful to Sen. McConnell for his leadership in securing these much needed funds to support treatment of COVID-19 patients and the stringent safety measures we are taking to protect our employees and patients,” said Baptist Health – Louisville President Larry Gray. 

 “The relief funds have been important to our healthcare system during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Daniel E. McKay, President and CEO Ephraim McDowell Health. “We are thankful to Senator McConnell for this funding and for his leadership in Congress.” 

“We are extremely appreciative of Senate Leader McConnell’s efforts to recognize the impact of COVID-19 on not just rural health care providers, but also on certain special hospitals in urban areas like Owensboro Health Regional Hospital that serve a predominately rural region,” remarked Greg Strahan, President/CEO of Owensboro Health. “This additional CARES Act funding will assist in our continued efforts across the region in responding to this pandemic.” 

In addition to these federal funds, the CARES Act has had a $12 billion impact in Kentucky so far. Senator McConnell’s legislation has delivered $3.8 billion in relief to address urgent housing, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development priorities. Kentucky small businesses, farmers, and nonprofits have also received more than $5.3 billion in assistance, including through over 48,000 PPP loans. Kentucky families have also received more than $3.2 billion in Economic Impact Payments from the U.S. Treasury. 

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