5 Rhode Island Hospitals Awarded $71.3M From CARES Act Funds

PROVIDENCE, RI — Five Rhode Island hospitals were awarded more than $71 million in federal aid to help offset the costs of caring for coronavirus patients. The funding is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Senator Jack Reed said the funds are a good start, but more needs to be done to support health care facilities that provide care to coronavirus patients.

"We set this funding aside in the CARES Act to help local hospitals and providers who are struggling with the fallout of this pandemic, but the Trump Administration’s distribution has been slow and uneven," Reed said. "While I’m glad Rhode Island hospitals are finally receiving this additional infusion of CARES Act assistance, more needs to be done to help offset their COVID-19 related losses."

In total, $71.3 million was awarded to the five hospitals in Rhode Island, which are listed below along with the amount each received.

• Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, North Providence: $8.4 million
• Miriam Hospital, Providence: $24 million
• Rhode Island Hospital, Providence: $25.4 million
• Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence: $7.9 million
• Landmark Medical Center, Woonsocket: $5,550,000

"Rhode Island hospitals have done excellent work under very challenging circumstances created by the pandemic, and I congratulate Lifespan in particular on receiving nearly $50 million in this distribution," said Senator Whitehouse, who is a member of the Senate Finance Committee. "This federal funding will help cover some of the costs hospitals already incurred caring for COVID patients, and help prepare our health care system for whatever may come in the months ahead. I’ll keep working to assure all our hospitals get all the funding they deserve for their great work."

Throughout the pandemic, Gov. Gina Raimondo and other state leaders praised hospitals for putting patient safety first, suspending nonemergency and elective procedures, which are a large source of income.

"For our state to recover from this unprecedented health crisis, Rhode Island hospitals need to continue receiving resources to provide quality care," Congressman Jim Langevin said. "I’m encouraged by the way our healthcare system has weathered the pandemic, but serious risks remain, and we will continue to work to provide even more assistance as we negotiate a fifth COVID aid bill. These federal funds will help hospitals continue their invaluable work against COVID-19."

"This investment for Rhode Island hospitals will help, but it’s clear that more will need to be done," Congressman David Cicilline said. "Rhode Islanders have done an excellent job flattening the curve. We need to be prepared and help our hospitals be equipped for what comes next. I will continue fighting to ensure we get the resources we need."