Keystone Today

The Pennsylvania Department of Health will be distributing about $11.7 million to assist long-term facilities in sustaining quality healthcare as the population continues to age, the state officials said on Nov. 15.

According to a report by Victoria Advocate, the federal dollars are through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

“These funds will be invested in key areas including workforce development, staff retention and infrastructure developments that support infection prevention control and emergency preparedness,” Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said.

Those eligible for the “Long-Term Care Quality Investment Pilot RFA” Request for Applications include skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living facilities and intermediate care facilities. 

Facilities need to be enrolled in the LTC Rise program’s qualitative improvement work initiative by Dec. 9 to qualify for funding. The program stands for Long-Term Care Resiliency, Infrastructure Supports and Empowerment, and information about it is available on health.pa.gov. 

Facilities in Philadelphia are not eligible as the city’s Department of Public Health received funding on its own.

“We want to make investments that will contribute to the long-range success of facilities that care for some of our most vulnerable residents,” Johnson said.

Funds will be awarded in the second quarter of 2023. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31 at 1:30 p.m.