U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,993,442 in federal funding for the Crouse Health Hospital in Syracuse. The funding was allocated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Public Assistance Program (PA). As the pandemic continues to drain resources, many hospitals and health centers have exceeded, and continue to exceed, their normal and assisted operating budgets. This significant federal investment will be used to cover previous COVID-19 response and operational costs.
“Hospitals like Crouse Health Hospital have made incredible sacrifices during the pandemic, putting public health above profit and working ceaselessly through multiple waves of COVID to help New York state beat back the virus and help us move towards the light at the end of this tunnel,” said Senator Schumer. “We must not forget the heroism of all the healthcare workers at Crouse, who were there for Central New Yorkers in their darkest hour. I’m proud to deliver this funding that will help Crouse cover past and future costs as they work to see Syracuse through what is hopefully the last stretch of the pandemic.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched our health care system to its limit,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will provide vital support to the Crouse Health Hospital as it continues treating and vaccinating patients, and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in Syracuse. This critical investment will offset additional operating costs in order to meet the demand of the moment, and I will continue fighting for the resources needed to keep our communities safe.”
Crouse Health Hospital played a critical role in executing New York State’s COVID-19 testing plan early in the pandemic and has provided resources and support including medical supply distribution, medical care for management control, and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety. This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.