C.O. Health Council awards over $185,000 in small grants
Funding for COVID-19-related requests still available
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Central Oregon Health Council awarded its 41st COVID-19 Mini-grant on Wednesday of last week, having now distributed more than $185,000 in small grants.
Emergency funding for COVID-19 requests opened at the end of March, with applications spanning everything from the manufacturing of masks and hand sanitizer to telehealth costs to solar cell phone chargers for the homeless.
The COHC has also awarded funding to groups requesting emergency relief funds for vulnerable families, tents for the homeless due to decreased shelter capacity and meal delivery for families in quarantine.
“We give priority to the grants that go beyond the regular cost of doing business,” says Donna Mills, executive director of the Central Oregon Health Council. “We’ve been thrilled to see such creative, yet crucial requests.”
Grantees include the Crook County Health Department, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, BestCare Treatment Services, Stroke Awareness Oregon, and dozens of others.
The COHC traditionally funds projects focused on large-scale system innovation and pilot programs aimed at creating lasting change. They made funding available for small emergency requests in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“We are far from realizing the full impact of COVID-19 on our community,” says Mills, “but by awarding emergency grants, we hope to lessen the burden of recovery on families and the health system in both the near and distant future.”
To Apply for a Mini-Grant: Requests of $5,000 or less are available now. Requests must focus on the health and well-being of individuals affected by COVID-19. Please visit cohealthcouncil.org to apply.
About the Central Oregon Health Council: The Central Oregon Health Council works to improve health care while both lowering the cost of care and raising patient and provider satisfaction. Beyond this, they provide visionary leadership to improve community health and prevent unnecessary health care. Visit www.cohealthcouncil.org for more information.
