Maine Health Care Financial Relief Grant Program funds help with Northern Light Health CA Dean Hospital COVID-19 response and recovery
Eight Northern Light Health hospitals will soon receive $100,000 each to assist in covering losses experienced as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical public health response. These Northern Light hospitals are CA Dean Hospital in Greenville, Acadia Hospital, AR Gould Hospital, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Inland Hospital, Maine Coast Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Sebasticook Valley Hospital.
This program was established to provide grants for healthcare providers that demonstrate a need for financial relief based on lost revenues or expenses related to the disruption of business operations caused by COVID-19. The program intends to help providers remain viable as a bridge to economic recovery by providing short-term relief with a portion of the state’s federal CARES Act relief funding. The Maine Health Care Financial Relief Grant Program is funded with $30 million made available to Maine under the federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund.
The Mills Administration announced the program on Nov. 30, with a 10-day turn-around to submit applications for financial relief.
“Maine’s health care providers have risen to countless challenges throughout the pandemic, from caring for those directly and indirectly affected by COVID-19, to protecting their workforces, to partnering with Maine DHHS to expand free testing,” said Jeanne Lambrew, commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Northern Light Health Finance and Grant Services teamed up to quickly assess the program’s requirements, clarify eligibility, and submit applications on behalf of our eligible member organizations.
John Doyle, Northern Light Health’s vice president of finance, is leading efforts to secure and allocate several million dollars in federal and state recovery assistance funding, each with unique eligibility, cost allocation, and reporting requirements. “We are eternally grateful that many governmental agencies, both at the federal and state levels, have recognized the tremendous financial strain COVID-19 has placed upon the health delivery system and directed funds in support of our providers. This will be a tremendous help,” he said.
“Our team is grateful for the opportunity to partner in support of the heroic efforts of our Northern Light Health colleagues who are caring for our patients, expanding COVID-19 testing, and very soon to be assisting with community vaccinations,” says Doug Michael, chief community health and grants officer. “We’ve been working closely with John and the finance team to quickly seize recovery opportunities that will sustain vital patient care services while engaging in a robust public health response at this critical time.”