Posted on 10/20/21
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced on Wednesday that the Baltimore City Health Department would receive $80 million to fund the city's fight against COVID-19.
The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) and mark the administration's first use of the investment.
Scott said the funds would be distributed over a span of four years. The investment will go to expand COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics, personal protective equipment, contact tracers and telehealth for city health clinics.
"As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health of Baltimore residents is my top priority,” said Scott. “Increasing testing, vaccinations, and telehealth services to Baltimoreans, particularly in our neighborhoods that need them most, will allow us to continue to keep our residents safe, healthy, and alive.”
The City's Chief Recovery Officer Shamia Kerney said the city will partner with the Baltimore City Health Department to ensure the funds will be used efficiently and effectively.
The investment will also go toward fighting hunger in Baltimore by providing home deliveries and grab-and-go meals for senior citizens and those with disabilities while also funding staff to protect Baltimore seniors from violence and abuse.
The city of Baltimore has a total of $641 million from the ARPA to use to combat the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impact.