Sunset Health receives big grant to boost coronavirus efforts

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Sunset Health was awarded more than $70,000 this week to pay for coronavirus screening and testing in Yuma County.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded almost two dozen clinics in the state of Arizona with 1.7 million dollars to help fight the coronavirus.

Sunset was one of 23 health centers in Arizona to get a grant. The money will directly go towards coronavirus emergency planning and response efforts.

Currently Sunset has a triage tent outside of their outpatient centers where visitors get their temperature checked before heading into the buildings.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, they have seen an uptick of people coming to the health centers with fears about the virus.

Providers at the health center are trying their best to answer all questions patient's have on the virus to help decrease fears and panic in the community.

Sunset Health has conducted tests for the coronavirus with some of their patients, but they do have limited testing kits available, so they only test those who fit a very specific criteria.

Although they were awarded this grant as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, it still doesn't solve the health center's issue with a decline of supplies they are seeing.

Health officials say they are experiencing a shortage of gowns, masks, and everything that is needed to protect them from the coronavirus.

Several companies nationwide have stepped up to the plate to create this personal protective equipment.

On Friday, President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act which directs General Motors to produce ventilators needed for the coronavirus outbreak.