WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maine has received a total of $1,928,995 to support COVID-19 testing efforts at 39 rural health clinics throughout the state, according to a news release.

The funding was awarded through the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act signed into law April 24. 

This legislation included $52.7 million for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and $4.7 million for 18 Community Health Centers in Maine to support COVID-19 testing.   

Rural health clinics are a special designation given to health care practices in underserved rural areas by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that help ensure access to care for rural residents, the release noted.