Southern Illinois hospitals to receive more than $32 million in federal funding
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
WASHINGTON (KBSI) – Southern Illinois hospitals will receive more than $32 million in federal funding to reimburse expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.
Bost announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated the funding to Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) and SSM Health Group.
SIH will receive more than $28 million to cover pandemic-related expenses, including emergency medical services, diagnostic testing, temporary health care facilities, additional staffing and personal protective equipment.
A portion of the funding will also reimburse administrative expenses associated with managing FEMA public assistance grants.
SSM Health Group will receive nearly $3.5 million for St. Mary’s Hospital to reimburse costs related to its COVID-19 response.
Those expenses include employee overtime, additional medical staffing and emergency health care services provided during the pandemic.
“Our hospitals and healthcare workers were on the front lines when COVID-19 hit, working around the clock to care for patients and keep our communities safe,” Bost said in a statement.
Bost said he worked with local stakeholders and FEMA officials to secure the reimbursements.
The funding comes through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which helps eligible organizations recover costs associated with responding to federally declared disasters and emergencies.
