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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $1,121,862 to expand coronavirus testing capabilities in San Bernardino County. The funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be distributed to three Inland Empire health care providers and agencies, with SAC Health System (SACHS) receiving $640,264, Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. (IBHS) receiving $224,449 and the County of San Bernardino receiving $257,149.
“We know increased testing is one of the best ways to track and limit the spread of this virus, which is why the House worked to ensure additional funding for tests in the last coronavirus relief bill. I’m proud to announce this funding, which will help more members of our community get tested and will play a major role in helping our community defeat this virus,” said Rep. Aguilar.
“Testing continues to be critical for our communities and patients,” said Dr. Jason Lohr, CEO of SAC Health System. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with our local health plan and health department to provide COVID-19 testing to any IEHP member who needs it.”
“Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. (IBHS) is grateful to Congressman Aguilar for his continued support. The Board of Directors and the Medical Team are planning on hosting both walk-up and drive-thru testing, with a focus on the uninsured populations, in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. IBHS is also in talks with our local churches to assist in offering the testing to the communities and to those staff members who wish to be tested,” said Dr. Temetry Lindsey, CEO/President of IBHS.
Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for allocating funding to agencies like HRSA.
