Del. leaders announce Health Care Relief Fund to support healthcare providers during pandemic

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services have announced the creation of a Health Care Relief Fund to support Delaware health care providers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re told the $100 million fund will support providers throughout the healthcare industry that have been on the front lines fighting the virus in the first state. This includes home health care agencies, intellectual and developmental disability providers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, behavioral health service providers, and Delaware’s hospital systems.

In addition, Healthy Communities Delaware, a statewide public-private partnership that works to address social determinants of health, will also receive funding for distribution to communities in the first state that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Funding from the Health Care Relief Fund can be used to support COVID-19 related investments, including technology upgrades, purchases of personal protective equipment, and environmental modifications in healthcare facilities.

“Like other industries, we know health care providers have had a difficult year balancing their regular services with the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Molly Magarik, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “We also know that some of our low-income and minority communities have borne the brunt of this pandemic. That’s why we’re excited to announce an additional $100 million in funding that will support providers and entities to address the gaps and continued need for such resources as telehealth equipment and personal protective equipment.”