SEAFORD — TidalHealth Nanticoke will receive an award of $1,539,313 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Provider Relief Fund through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, all D-Del., announced Tuesday.

The CARES Act—which was championed by Sens. Carper, Coons and Rep. Blunt Rochester—created the Provider Relief Fund for rural acute care general hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics and Community Health Centers located in rural areas. These smaller, rural hospitals faced great challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, TidalHealth Nanticoke was left out of the first round of funding under the program, but intervention by Sens. Carper, Coons and Rep. Blunt Rochester ensured that the hospital received its fair share. This year, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation wrote a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to ensure TidalHealth received its funding for 2021.

“TidalHealth Nanticoke is a vital part of the health and wellbeing of Western Sussex county residents, but like most health care providers, it took on an incredible financial burden with the pandemic,” said Delaware’s congressional delegation. “We thank Secretary Becerra for approving our request and providing much-needed funding to TidalHealth Nanticoke to continue its life-saving work for Delawareans.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced TidalHealth Nanticoke caregivers to work tirelessly and selflessly to address what often seemed like the insurmountable needs of our communities,” said Penny Short, president ofTidalHealth Nanticoke. “Second only to the impact it has had on them is its effect on an already strained hospital operational budget. We applaud and appreciate the efforts of our Delaware lawmakers who supported TidalHealth Nanticoke to ensure additional financial stability as we continue to fight this disease from the frontline.”