WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released the following statement today in reaction to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services making $25.5 billion available to health care providers, including nursing homes and assisted living communities, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the American Rescue Plan and Provider Relief Fund.
The statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.
“This financial aid is long overdue, but greatly appreciated by the long term care sector. Nursing homes and assisted living communities continue to spend billions of dollars to fight COVID while grappling with an economic and workforce crisis spurred by the pandemic.
“These federal funds are critical in helping providers acquire the ongoing staff support, personal protective equipment, and testing they need to protect our residents and staff members as well as prevent facility closures. We hope to see this aid delivered swiftly to the frontlines, so our nation’s most vulnerable continue to receive the high quality, long term care they deserve.”
ABOUT AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit
www.ahcancal.org.