Funds will come from American Rescue Plan signed last March.
On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris announced that President Biden’s administration would be directing $1.5 billion of COVID-19 relief funds to increase the number of healthcare workers. The funds will support more than 2,700 healthcare providers, including doctors dentists, nurses, and behavioral health specialists. The initiative will also provide scholarships and medical school loan repayments for students if they train and work in “hard-hit and high-risk” areas that often struggle to recruit doctors.
“Our nation must invest in a health care workforce that looks like America, and provide access to equitable health care for all Americans,” Vice President Harris said. She also noted the unique challenges in underserved communities due to the pandemic saying, “COVID-19 did not invent health disparities. Just ask any healthcare professional and she will tell you: Health disparities existed long before this virus reached our shores. Health disparities stem from broader systemic inequities.”
She also called on the Senate to approve the Build Back Better Act, saying it will reduce health insurance premiums and close the Medicaid coverage gap and invest in mental health.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the vice president to seek God’s direction as she works to guide the new initiative for the nation’s medical system.
- For the president’s administration as they seek to improve medical care for people in rural or underserved areas.
- That officials in the Department of Health and Human Services find the best healthcare workers for these programs.
- For the Senate as they consider the vote on the Build Back Better Act before Christmas.
Sources: Washington Examiner, The Hill, AP
