Rep. Torres Announces First Round of COVID Relief Funding for California’s 35th District

POMONA – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today announced that the first round of funding provided through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act for medical facilities in California's 35^th Congressional District.

Medical facilities in Pomona and Ontario are among the 1,381 facilities nationwide benefitting from the $100 million Health and Human Services grant to expand screening and testing, purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and provide safety training.

"The first round of funding to help address coronavirus is on its way to our community, and this is just the tip of the iceberg," Rep. Torres said. "This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and the Inland Empire is ready to meet it. But we do not – and will not – have to meet it alone. I will continue fighting for federal resources to support everything from tests for all who need them to financial support as we get past this economic downturn."

David Kadar, CEO of ParkTree Community Health Center – one of the facilities receiving funds – shared how they will use the grant to help local residents:

"Funding through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act will assist Community Health Centers, such as ParkTree, to increase efforts in prevention, preparedness, and response to the Coronavirus pandemic. ParkTree Community Health Center will utilize this funding to ensure that our clients and community have continued access to needed health care services. Funds will be used to support on-site evaluation of individuals with suspected cases and implementation of alternative service delivery methods such as telephonic medicine and telehealth. These alternative delivery models will ensure that the most vulnerable and susceptible in our communities will have continued access to vital health care services as they are sheltering in place at home, should they not be able to come to our facilities.

"Community Health Centers are vital in the fight to combat COVID-19. The actions that Community Health Centers are taking will reduce the burden on emergency rooms and hospitals, so that their resources are conserved for the most advanced cases. As Health Centers stand at the front lines of this pandemic, additional funding to support expanded testing, staffing and supplies is critical for us to be successful in this mission."

Congresswoman Torres sits on the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for allocating all funds for federal departments, projects and programs. She and her Appropriations colleagues have played a key role in developing, passing and delivering all aid packages to help the American people overcome this virus and the economic ramifications of our response.

###