Press Releases
CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Washington, D.C.,
January 25, 2021
For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry PRESS STATEMENT CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION GRANT FROM FEMA FOR THE VIRGIN ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement regarding a grant totaling $2.5 million for the Virgin Islands Department of Health: “Today, I am pleased to announce a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant is for $2,506,200.00 in federal funding to the Virgin Islands Department of Health for Emergency Protective Measures. “The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public requiring emergency response and protective measures throughout the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). In response to the event, the USVI is distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines to its population via the Vaccine Command Center (VCC) and a network of private healthcare providers, publicly operated vaccination administration centers, and publicly supported vaccination administration centers. The VCC represents more than 32 Territory facilities. The VCC took actions to establish the 34 vaccine sites including but not limited to staffing services, purchasing equipment and materials for the expansion of facility capacity and establishing temporary facilities, the purchase of supplies, transportation, and distribution of personal protective equipment to staff. “This Grant is for Scope of Work (SOW) and the costs for distributing and administering the vaccine. The emergency protective measures consist of providing supplies and commodities to include emergency medical supplies (for emergency medical care needs that may arise in the administration of the vaccine), sharps containers (for medical waste), and supplies necessary for proper storage like canisters of liquid nitrogen or dry ice. Provided transportation support for refrigerated trucks and transport security when reasonable and necessary. Provided transportation support for leasing space for storage and/or administration of vaccines, utilities, maintenance, and security. Provided staffing for medical and support staff. Provided onsite infection control measures and PPE for staff as well as cloth face coverings for patients, temperature scanners, physical barriers (e.g., plexiglass dividers), and disinfection of the facility in accordance with CDC guidance. Provided emergency medical care to address allergic reactions to the vaccine or other emergency medical needs that arise during the administration of the vaccine. Provided medical waste disposal in support of vaccination sites and provided dissemination of information and communication to the public regarding vaccinations. “This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts and making the Virgin Islands whole again. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help rebuild our islands.” ### |