Bassett Receives $17.4M in Federal COVID Relief

Staff Report

COOPERSTOWN - United States Senator and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced last Tuesday that he helped secure $17,475,512.79 in Federal COVID-19 relief funding for Bassett Healthcare Network through a provision in the American Rescue Plan.

Staci Thompson, the president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, praised Senator Schumer for his efforts.

“Bassett Healthcare Network serves 5,600 square miles of some of the most rural areas in New York State. Our service area is roughly the size of Connecticut. Rural health systems like Bassett are crucial to the vitality of our communities like Cherry Valley, Delhi, Little Falls and many others who rely on us to care for their needs," she said. "It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and it is not easy."

“We need to make sure that Bassett has the resources it needs not just to survive, but to thrive," said Senator Schumer, who has fought to improve rural healthcare across the state and nationwide. "That means securing this federal funding for Bassett to upgrade its hospital. I will keep fighting so that Bassett can recover and build back stronger."

The bill, passed in 2021, was to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senator said the funding will cover costs associated with emergency protective measures and increased staffing, including equipment, medical supplies, and temporary staffing starting in the spring of 2020.

Senator Schumer explained the delay in funding.

"FEMA didn’t really accurately reimburse the hospitals," he said. "They found so many different places where they needed reimbursement, and it took a while to do that and get it done."