U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $6,284,101.33 in federal funding for Northwell Health Inc. The coronavirus pandemic at first overwhelmed New York’s hospitals – requiring increased clinical staffing services to meet patient demand and increased disinfection protocols. This funding will be used to cover the cost of 223,000 previous overtime hours for sanitization of facilities and medical care for COVID-19 patients.
“I’m proud to deliver these federal funds to help cover the massive costs of increased protective measures and staffing needed to care for COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic,” said Senator Schumer. “We must continue to support our local hospitals and health centers as we work to slow the spread of coronavirus and recover from this health and economic crisis. I will continue to prioritize the safety of our health care workers and staffing in our health care facilities to meet patient demand when fighting for federal funding.”
“As the pandemic continues into the winter months, health care providers need access to equipment that will keep themselves and the communities they serve, safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will equip Northwell Health Inc. with the medical and cleaning supplies and staffing resources necessary to increase safety and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Funding like this will help New York’s health care professionals keep our communities safe during this unprecedented health crisis.”
Northwell Health, Inc. is New York’s largest health care provider and played a critical role in executing New York State’s COVID-19 testing plan early in the pandemic. Northwell has continued providing world class medical care in the face of extreme challenges and this funding will help them continue their great work for New York’s patients. This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.