INDIANA, PA – The Hospital and Health System Emergency Relief Program grant application period is now open, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41).
As part of the current 2023-2024 fiscal year state budget, $50 million was included for the Hospital and Health System Emergency Relief Program. Recognizing hospitals are economic drivers within the communities they serve, administration of the program was placed under Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
Pittman explained this support for local healthcare needs was one of his top priorities and three hospitals in the 41st Senatorial District will be able to apply for the funding. Armstrong County Memorial Hospital (ACMH) is eligible for $1,226,000, Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) is eligible for $1,341,000 and Punxsutawney Area Hospital (PAH) is eligible for $1,181,000.
“This funding will go a long way in strengthening access to health care services within our area, by helping to support all three Pennsylvania Mountains Care Network (PMCN) partners,” Pittman said. “Establishing this program was a collective effort and I was pleased to work with my colleagues in the House, Representatives Brian Smith, Jim Struzzi, Donna Oberlander and Abby Major. I remain fully committed to the success of PMCN and will continue to do all I can to support their growth during my time in office.”
Pittman noted the program was established to provide critical working capital to help stabilize hospitals across the entire Commonwealth, as they continue to recover from lasting pandemic-era disruptions and are being adversely impacted by financial constraints, well-documented workforce shortages and dual mental health and opioid crises.
Media Contact: Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov