Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced Friday that he plans to use more than $217 million in federal money to provide COVID-19 aid to assisted living communities, personal care homes and hospitals.
The state will use money from the American Rescue Plan’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for grants to bolster pandemic response efforts.
Although the bulk of the money – $170 million – will go to hospitals, the remaining $47 million in COVID-19 aid will be doled out to assisted living communities and personal care homes with 25 beds or more. Facilities can apply for up to $100,000 to assist with securing COVID-19 antigen, PCR and serology tests, ventilation improvements, personal protective equipment purchases, or other efforts to support isolation or quarantine.
Facilities that receive grants can use the money to reimburse costs they incurred starting March 3, 2021, and running through Dec. 1, 2022.
“We are proud to provide this necessary relief for hospitals, assisted living communities and personal care homes with 25 or more beds to help prevent and mitigate the effects of COVID-19,” Kemp said.
The Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA) applauded the governor’s decision. GSLA President and Chief Executive Officer Catie Ramp said the decision is a direct result of months of discussion between GSLA’s Legislative Team, Georgia state Rep. John LaHood (R), and the Governor’s Office regarding the negative economic impact the pandemic has created for the state’s senior living industry.
“As an association, we are incredibly thankful to Gov. Kemp for providing this much-needed financial relief for our providers,” she said.
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