Columbus – State Senator Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) today announced Controlling Board approval of several items aimed at combatting the Coronavirus/COVID-19 health crisis.
The board approved an increase in appropriation authority of $15.6 million through the Ohio Department of Health, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Fund. These funds were provided by the federal government through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act which provides funding to prevent, prepare for and respond to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
The new funding breaks down as follows:
- $10.1 million for services for local health departments related to monitoring, investigation, containment, and mitigation
- $1.3 million for public education campaigns
- $1 million for COVID-19 testing at ODH‘s Public Health Lab; and
- $750k for overtime costs, contracting, and other payroll related costs for ODH
- $2.4 million for miscellaneous costs to be used as needed, including on the above items
Additionally, the controlling board approved $3.8 million through the Department of Public Safety, State Disaster Relief Fund to cover the ongoing and anticipated costs related to the state's response to COVID-19 and operational costs related to the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
"During this unprecedented time in our history, Ohio has been a leader for the nation, proactively preventing, preparing and responding to this health crisis," said Hottinger. "These funds will ensure Ohio's Departments of Health and Public Safety are equipped with the resources needed to continue to combat this pandemic
of terms
