Local Health Districts Allocate $20 Million To Fight COVID-19

Press release from the Connecticut General Assembly:

October 26, 2020

State Senator James Maroney (D-Orange) is applauding the state and Governor Ned Lamont for their allocation of $20 million to support local health district's efforts to fight COVID-19. This week, the state approved the first 21 local health districts and departments to receive portions of the funding. Every health district in Connecticut is slated to receive a portion of the $20 million, with the funding intended to be used to enhance laboratory detection, contact tracing and other capacity strains; strengthen laboratory testing volume and capacity; work with partners to respond to and prevent spread of COVID-19; prevent and minimize disease transmission; and conduct health promotion activities.

Orange is one of the 21 health districts receiving allocations from this initial dispersal of funds. The health district in Orange will receive $21,059 this year, receiving a total of $52,647 to help mitigation efforts in coming years.

"I am thankful Governor Lamont is allocating funds to these health districts that have been supportive in slowing the spread of COVID-19," said Sen. Maroney. "With the unknown amount of coronavirus cases still to come, it is important our local health departments are equipped with the vital resources they need to help protect our community."

The funding allotments will be provided to health districts in three dispersals. Each dispersal period covers one year of time; departments will receive allocations from May 2020 to May 2021, May 2021 to May 2022, and May 2022 to November 2022.

This press release was produced by the Connecticut General Assembly. The views expressed here are the author's own.