On June 9, 2021, HRSA updated its guidance on American Rescue Plan Act funding for health centers under the H8F Category (funding to prevent, mitigate, and respond to COVID-19 and enhance health care services and infrastructure). Visit here to understand the latest regarding allowed and unallowed activities. Health centers also should be aware of the following provisions:
- Health centers may use non-grant funds or leverage partnerships with or donations from other community organizations or businesses to offer small rewards to individuals as an incentive for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Health centers may use H8F funds to provide incentive items; written health center policies or procedures must support the use of such funds for incentive costs.
- H8F funds may not be used for cash gift cards, food, or other costs prohibited under 45 CFR 75 (the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards) or other federal regulations.
- H8F funds may be used to provide childcare for parents while being vaccinated by the health center; however, note that this activity differs from daycare (which would fall outside the Health Center Program scope of project).