January 22nd, 2021 by WCBC Radio

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated more than $340 million to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for protective equipment it purchased to keep the public and its front-line workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The award provides $341,166,647.81 in federal funding to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for emergency protective measures performed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department staff provided management, control and reduction of immediate threats through purchase and distribution of commodities for COVID-19 statewide. Items included medical supplies and equipment such as personal protective equipment, ventilators, and products modified for use as ventilators statewide, as well as face shields, hand sanitizer, N95 masks, surgical masks, isolation gowns, gloves, and disinfecting wipes.

“FEMA remains committed to supporting our state partners and the American people as we all fight the COVID-19 virus,” said FEMA Region 3 Acting Regional Administrator Janice Barlow. “Reimbursing the Maryland Department of Health for necessary medical equipment is a key part of helping Marylanders stay safe and well in this unprecedented time. Region 3 will continue to work with all our state partners to make sure they have what they need during this mission.”

Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program, which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain private non-profit organizations.