Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $2 Million in Awards to Oregon Health Centers to Boost Coronavirus Response

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will distribute nearly $2 million in funding among 30 health centers across Oregon to help address the coronavirus crisis.

“Health care professionals in every corner of our state have been working around the clock to battle the coronavirus pandemic on the frontlines,” said Merkley. “One of the most important things we can do to support them, their efforts, and their health is making sure that they have all of the personal protective equipment and supplies they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. These grants will help us meet those urgent needs—and I’m going to keep fighting for more resources to continue supporting health care workers.”

“Medical providers working 24-7 across our state to protect Oregonians’ health during this global pandemic deserve the fullest support with personal protective equipment and more,” Wyden said. “These grants will help to provide the urgently needed support they need to perform their life-saving work and stay safe while doing their job. While this is a good step, much more needs to be done and I will continue working to get Oregon’s health care workers what they need.”

The grant awards will support emergency planning and response efforts—including but not limited to expanding COVID-19 screening and testing capacity, purchasing supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), and providing safety education.

A full breakdown of each award grantee and the amount of their respective award follows below.