Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today eleven Kentucky hospitals received $151,802,265 to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. These hospitals were chosen because of their focus on providing medical care to all patients regardless of ability to pay. The federal funding, distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), was made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the subsequent Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act, which became the largest economic rescue package in American history, and led it to enactment in about a week. 

These funds are the most recent distribution from the $175 billion Healthcare Provider Fund to combat the coronavirus. Before today’s announcement, Kentucky healthcare providers had already received more than $1 billion. Kentucky ranks second among states with similar populations in funding received from the Healthcare Provider Fund. 

In recent weeks, Senator McConnell has visited several hospitals across Kentucky, including some receiving this safety net funding, to thank the healthcare workers on the frontlines of this virus. 

“The CARES Act, which was written in my office, was designed to equip our healthcare heroes with the resources to beat this virus. I’m proud Kentucky’s medical professionals are receiving the support they need to help families and save lives,” said Senator McConnell. “With an emphasis on protecting vulnerable Kentuckians, these federal funds can help our Commonwealth’s doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers on the frontlines of this crisis. As Senate Majority Leader, I’m constantly looking for every opportunity to provide for Kentucky families and communities. Together, we’ll overcome this crisis and safely return to normal.” 

The following safety-net hospitals will receive funding from this announcement:

  • St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead
  • UofL Health - Jewish Hospital
  • UofL Health – Shelbyville Hospital
  • Pikeville Medical Center
  • CHI St. Joseph Mount Sterling
  • CHI St. Joseph London
  • Methodist Health in Henderson
  • St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky
  • Hardin Memorial Health
  • Murray-Calloway County Hospital
  • Baptist Health - Richmond 

“We’re grateful for the consistent support from Senator McConnell as we continue battling the coronavirus crisis in Northeast Kentucky,” said St. Claire HealthCare President and CEO Donald H. Lloyd, II. “With the funding from his CARES Act, we’re able to continue serving patients, their families and our community. Senator McConnell continues to deliver for rural Kentuckians in the Senate, especially in the face of this virus.” 

“This CARES Act funding is an essential backstop to the backbone of our health care system,” said Tom Miller, CEO of UofL Health. “COVID-19 created an unprecedented financial challenge, preparing for the pandemic with dramatically reduced revenues. We applaud the leadership of Senator McConnell to ensure our safety net remains strong.” 

“I would like to personally thank Leader McConnell for his role in securing safety net funding from the CARES Act for our institution,” said Pikeville Medical Center CEO and Vice-President of the Board of Directors Donovan Blackburn. “This funding is critical to the continuation of our mission during these difficult times and will allow us preserve the viability of many health service offerings that are vital to people of our region while simultaneously preserving jobs in our community.” 

“Saint Joseph London and Saint Joseph Mount Sterling are critical health care facilities that are essential members of the communities we serve, and provide care to thousands of patients every year,” said CHI Saint Joseph Health CEO Bruce Tassin. “As safety-net providers, and without federal aid, our ability to sustain care for those most in need is at risk. Nonprofit hospitals already face many financial challenges and with Senate Majority Leader McConnell’s support, these funds have been critically important for making sure that we can continue to provide health care services during and after this pandemic. Funding is being used to help cover the cost of securing additional personal protective equipment, additional supplies, retaining our staff and covering other operating costs.” 

“Senator McConnell’s CARES Act is delivering the necessary funding so we can continue providing high-quality care while also protecting our courageous medical professionals and staff,” said St. Elizabeth Healthcare CEO Garren Colvin. “These federal resources will allow our team to continue serving as a safety net in our community, and we’re grateful to have a strong partner in Senator McConnell leading the national response to the pandemic.” 

“Hardin Memorial Health just experienced the toughest financial times in its sixty-six year history.  Not only did we lose a tremendous amount of revenue from cancelled elective procedures and overall low patient volumes, but we also saw expenses skyrocket as we secured extra supplies and prepared for possible COVID-19 patient surges.  Funding from Senator McConnell’s CARES Act will make a big difference for our healthcare system and for the over 400,000 Central Kentuckians who come to HMH for care. We are truly grateful,” said Hardin Memorial Health President and CEO Dennis Johnson. 

“Like many other hospitals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic across the nation, Murray-Calloway County Hospital has suffered multiple millions of dollars of lost revenues since mid-March. I am thankful for the hard work and support of Senator McConnell for my facility receiving an additional $5 million from the CARES Act as a disproportionate share hospital serving economically challenged residents of Kentucky,” said Murray-Calloway County Hospital CEO Jerry Penner, FACHE. 

“As a safety net hospital, Baptist Health Richmond has a special responsibility to care for our community’s most vulnerable. We are grateful to Leader McConnell for his work on the CARES Act and the funds it provides to help us fulfill our mission,” said Greg Gerard, President of Baptist Health Richmond. 

In addition to these federal funds, the CARES Act has had an $11 billion impact in Kentucky so far. Senator McConnell’s legislation has delivered $3.6 billion in relief to address urgent housing, transportation, healthcare, education and economic development priorities. His legislation also created the Paycheck Protection Program, which is helping nearly 47,000 Kentucky small businesses access over $5.2 billion in loans to keep their lights on and employees on payroll. Kentucky families have also received more than $3.2 billion in Economic Impact Payments from the U.S. Treasury. 

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