WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced Thursday that Heart of Kansas Family Health Care was one of 18 Kansas clinics to receive a grant in from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support clinics, community centers and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The grants totalled $1.9 million, with Heart of Kansas receiving a grant for $111,744.

According to Heart of Kansas Family Health Care CEO Brett Middleton, the grant provides one-time funding to support preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19, as outlined in the Corornavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020.

Sen. Moran said the funds are crucial for health-care facilities responding to the new challenge.

“We are in the middle of a pandemic, and every hospital, clinic and health care center is doing their part to help stop the spread of this virus and treat people who are sick,” said Sen. Moran. “These resources will help provide timely relief and support for Kansas medical services as they continue to work to keep their communities safe.”

Middleton said the clinic has already been able to access the grant funds, and it is critical to their response efforts. 

“This funding will help us offset some of the costs associated with our response to this disease. We have clinics in Great Bend, Larned and Stafford and serve patients from seven-plus counties and this funding will help us protect our patients and staff during our response to this disease,” Middleton said. “Funding may support a wide range of activities including, patient and community education, screening, testing (including temporary drive-up or walk-up testing) and laboratory services, adding providers and other personnel, training (and) supplies (e.g., personal protective equipment, infection control supplies).”

Middleton emphasised, though, that prevention begins with each individual.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of following the guidelines published by KDHE, your local health department and your primary care provider,” he said. “If you don’t feel well, have a fever or cough, STAY HOME and CALL YOUR PROVIDER and follow their instructions. Protect your loved ones, especially those at risk or susceptible to illness. Now is not the time to take all the kids and go visit grandparents. Stay healthy!”