September 30, 2021 3:45 a.m.

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have announced that the federal department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $18 million in funding for health centers all across the state.

A release said the funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan, and comes as Oregon is facing its most difficult COVID-19 surge yet, fueled by the Delta variant. Health centers will use the funding to help pay for new needs brought on by the pandemic, including constructing new facilities, renovating and expanding existing facilities and purchasing new equipment – including telehealth technology, mobile medical vans and freezers for vaccine storage.

Money will go to 28 health centers and local governments in Oregon including over $556,000 for Adapt in Roseburg.