Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced an additional $41.4 million in Health Provider Relief Funds provided by the CARES Act to help Tampa hospitals and other providers continue to serve our neighbors, combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep health care professionals on the job and safe. To date, Florida health providers received over $2.6b from Congress’ third coronavirus package, the CARES Act, that was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This week’s newly released funds total over $389.6m statewide.

“As our hospitals and frontline workers continue to grapple with the Trump administration’s uneven national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these funds are a lifeline for Moffitt, Tampa General, BayCare, and Tampa Family Health Centers,” said Castor. “CARES Act funds provided by Congress will help keep our nurses, doctors and providers safe and focused on serving the needs of our neighbors, especially during the suspension of needed elective procedures that contribute to their bottom lines. Our health workers are heroes, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and bravery. These funds comprise only some of the much-needed assistance that’s on the way to our Tampa community, and I’m committed to continue securing and speeding investments for my Tampa neighbors in the days ahead.”

These payments are in addition to the $2.2b in CARES Act funds that were distributed to Florida health providers earlier this month.

Because of House Democrats’ leadership, the total amount that will be allocated through the Health Provider Relief Fund is $175 billion.