$7.5M In COVID-19 Relief Grants Available To RI Pediatricians

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island pediatricians negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for part of $7.5 million in grants, part of the state's federal relief funding.

The grants are part of the state's Rhode Island Rebounds initiative, aimed at incentivizing pediatric health care providers to get children up to date on primary care.

"It is vital that our state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic includes getting children and youth back on track with their medical and mental health care," Gov. Dan McKee said. "I thank the General Assembly for approving my Administration’s Rhode Island Rebounds proposal and encourage pediatricians to take advantage of this important funding."

The coronavirus pandemic meant that many kids did not have access to primary care, including routine vaccinations, preventative services and screenings for developmental, psychosocial and behavioral health. The funding can be used to retain staff, pay for extended operating hours, conduct outreach and bring on additional supports such as social workers.

Womazetta Jones, the secretary of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, said the funding "will allow pediatricians to strengthen their practices, improve immunization rates, and overcome COVID-19 related barriers to access."

"The social and economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their corresponding effects on the physical and mental health of our state’s children, cannot be overstated," Jones said. "We need to ensure that our pediatricians are best positioned to support the needs of all children and families."

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 9. More information about the program and application materials are available online.