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Oklahoma Senator James Lankford (pictured) applauded on Friday an announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on $1.4 million in federal health-related funding to 21 health centers across Oklahoma.

Additionally, HHS announced its awards to 291 Oklahoma nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, totaling $43,166,350, through the Provider Relief Fund from the CARES Act as a part of its $2.5 billion allocation nationally. These federal grants help states, especially rural areas, combat COVID-19 and continue to maintain other important health services amid the pandemic.

In a statement, Sen. Lankford: “I am glad HHS has made this continued investment in Oklahoma health centers and nursing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oklahomans count on our valuable health centers, skilled nursing centers, and nursing homes, especially those that serve our families in the rural parts of our state. These federal investments help ensure our health facilities have the resources, protective equipment, and personnel they need. Now more than ever, we owe our healthcare and essential workers continued gratitude for their work day in and day out to treat our illnesses and injuries and contain and treat COVID-19.”