BOSTON– The Executive Office of Health and Human Services has awarded Anna Jaques Hospital a $400,000 grant through its Essential Community Provider Trust Fund.
The grant was part of $38 million in awards made by Health and Human Services Secretary to hospitals and community health centers across the state.
This is the first time Anna Jaques received money from the fund, which was established to help facilities that are both essential to their communities and distressed financially.
The hospital’s legislative delegation, led by Senators Steven Baddour and Bruce Tarr as well as Representative Michael Costello, made a strong case to Secretary Timothy Murphy and Undersecretary Fred Habib that the state funds would help preserve and stabilize this critical resource for Newburyport and surrounding communities.
“This grant is recognition of the essential patient care provided by our employees and medical staff. Together with the board, they are working hard to make this hospital stable financially and a great place to receive care,” said Delia O’Connor, Anna Jaques President and CEO. “We are grateful for the active support we received from our legislative delegation. Senators Steven Baddour and Bruce Tarr, and Representative Costello, went out of their way to express their belief in Anna Jaques, sent strong letters of support and made phone calls to the Secretary's office.”
Members of the legislative delegation called Anna Jaques yesterday afternoon inform administrators of the award and congratulate them.
“The hospital’s new administrative team has enjoyed much success in its initial eight months and I think this award only continues that momentum,” said Representative Costello. “Anna Jaques serves 165,000 people every year and the new administrative team is committed to ensuring the hospital is in a position, both financially and medically, to serve them in the best possible way.”
"Personally, I am thrilled that Anna Jaques is receiving this funding and being recognized by the state for the essential services it provides for the Merrimack Valley," said Senator Baddour. "This money is critical to ensuring that the hospital continues to offer high quality health care to everyone who needs it."