INDIANAPOLIS–On Friday, State Senator Eddie Melton (D-Gary) sent a letter to Indiana Congressional leaders requesting that additional relief funds be directed to safety-net hospitals, such as Gary Methodist, whose coronavirus cases peaked after the deadline for the first round of funding from the CARES Act was rolled out.

“At this time, it’s important that the hospitals being hit hard by COVID-19 are receiving the support and relief they need to get through these tough times,” Sen. Melton said. “Although the first round of funding from the High Impact Fund for “hot spot areas” has been issued, there are some hospitals, like Gary Methodist, that didn’t initially meet the criteria to receive funding and still need assistance. Lake County has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the state, and I’m asking that Gary Methodist and other safety-net hospitals in Indiana be targeted for additional funding that is rolled out. We cannot allow any hospital in need to fall through the cracks during this public health crisis just because their COVID-19 cases peaked after the arbitrary April 10th deadline.

Senator Melton’s letter to Congressman Visclosky can be found here. Letters were also sent to Senator Young and Senator Braun.