CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $224,500 IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE IN TAYLOR COUNTY
MACON, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, announced that Mercer University has received $224,500 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program. This grant will provide the startup costs for Mercer University’s new primary care facility in Taylor County.
“Every American deserves quality, affordable health care close to home, regardless of zip code. Primary health care is the front line of medical treatment and is essential to the prevention of numerous painful and costly chronic health conditions and diseases,” said Congressman Bishop. “USDA Rural Development programs are crucial, helping smaller rural and underserved communities afford the services and infrastructure that Georgians need to thrive. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for USDA resources.”
“Mercer University School of Medicine is committed to its mission to serve rural Georgia. We educate physicians and other health professionals who will bring high quality accessible care to rural communities. Mercer Medicine, our faculty practice, is developing clinics to serve counties with the most need,” said Dr. Jean Sumner, Dean of Mercer University’s School of Medicine. “We believe that by bringing outstanding care and health services to rural Georgia, health disparities will decrease and health status will improve. We are deeply grateful for the support provided for the Reynolds Ga. Clinic in Taylor County. Not only will the presence of a clinic in Taylor County help its citizens, it will give our students an opportunity to see the difference healthcare can make in rural areas.”
These funds were made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided $500 million for health care facilities, COVID-19 vaccines, telehealth services, and food assistance in America’s rural communities.
This award is part of a larger effort at USDA, which is awarding $129 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants to improve health care facilities in rural towns across the nation. These grants will help 172 rural health care organizations expand critical services. As the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Congressman Bishop led the effort to secure $500 million in emergency funds to support rural health care as the country recovered from the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about Emergency Rural Health Care Grants, by visiting the USDA’s website, https://www.rd.usda.gov/erhc.
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