MINNIE HAMILTON GETTING $2.4 MILLION FROM AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (04/09/2021) Minnie Hamilton Heath System, a federally qualified health center in Calhoun County and Gilmer, will receive $2.4 million from the American Rescue Plan, according to a release from the office of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. It’s part of more than $82.8 million for health centers in West Virginia from the most recent COVID-19 relief package. There are conditions on how the money is spent. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia health care providers and health centers have gone above and beyond to provide care for their fellow West Virginians,” Manchin said in the release. “This funding will help expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment through health centers, as well as help increase and improve operational capacity.” Also receiving money is the Wirt County Health Service Association Inc. ($2,664,625), Ritchie County Primary Care Association ($1,756,750) and Roane Family Health Care ($1,278,875). Allowable uses for the money include COVID-19 vaccine administration, testing, contact tracing, purchasing personal protective equipment, expanding or sustaining the workforce, infrastructure and community outreach and education. Centers can also utilize funding to cover costs they incurred in 2020.