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FEMA approves $2.69 million for Bay County pumping station emergency power
PENSACOLA, Fla – FEMA has approved a grant of $2,689,984 to Bay County to provide emergency power for the Williams Bayou pumping station. The grant is funded by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
Williams Bayou Pumping Station is the primary pumping station that supplies water from Deer Point Lake to the Bay County Water Treatment Plant. The project includes the installation of a 2.5-megawatt diesel generator to serve as an emergency power source for the station’s water pumps. The project also includes protection against power surges.
Under the HMGP, FEMA provides grants to help communities eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage. Following a major disaster, a percentage of total federal recovery grant funds is designated to develop more resilient communities. Because Florida has an Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan, this means more funds are available for the post-disaster mitigation programs. States with an enhanced plan receive HMGP funds based on 20% of the total estimated eligible Stafford Act disaster assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Mon, 04/19/2021 - 15:14Coping with Fatigue After Multiple Disasters in Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. – April is National Stress Awareness Month and the residents of the state of Louisiana have experienced their fair share of stress in the past year –many Louisianans are struggling to recover from the successive blows of hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta and the severe winter storms on top of the nearly yearlong stress and worries of a pandemic. The same is true throughout the nation where hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters came one after another while Covid-19 fears spread.
It is normal for any disaster response to increase stress and fatigue. One of the symptoms is finding it hard to make decisions when so many decisions must be made about your recovery.
Survivors of hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta and the Feb. winter storms who are already registered with FEMA may find that the process of recovery sometimes feels like an impossible task.
Stress related to the disaster, which could be compassion fatigue, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and other stress-related health issues, may be why it can be difficult to make decisions. Feeling frustrated, arguing more and being physically and mentally drained are other symptoms of emotional exhaustion that can reshape how people make choices. You may not be eating or sleeping or doing too much of both. You are not alone. These are human reactions to the strain of adapting over and over to situations that threaten your survival and/or ability to cope.
The good news is that with each positive action you add towards your recovery, you feel better and more in control. One cost-free action you can take now is creating and practicing a family plan for future emergencies.
You can also meet with your insurance agent to be sure your coverage will address your future needs. Be sure to check with the agent about flood insurance, which pays for flood damage even when a disaster is not declared by FEMA.
Most responses to stress related to disasters are temporary and will go away over time. Stress response during disasters is normal.
For those who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is available. Survivors can call or text 1-800-985-9500 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or visit Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA. The Disaster Distress Helpline is toll-free, multi-lingual and confidential and is available to everyone affected by a disaster.
The Crisis Counseling hotline is also available and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 800-985-5990 (TTY 800-846-8517) or text TalkWithUs (Spanish-speakers text: Hablanos) to 66746 to be immediately connected with a professional counselor who will help callers through disaster-related emotional distress. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential free service is available to everyone in the state.
Don’t give up, FEMA and its partners are here to help survivors through the recovery process. For disaster assistance questions and concerns, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit Louisiana Hurricane Laura (DR-4559-LA). For updates on Hurricane Delta, visit Louisiana Hurricane Delta (DR-4570-LA). Hurricane Zeta material is found at Louisiana Hurricane Zeta (DR-4577-LA). For updates on the Winter Storms, visit Louisiana Severe Winter Storms (DR-4590-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
stuart.lewis Mon, 04/19/2021 - 15:08CNMI Receives $88.7M FEMA Community Disaster Loan
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a $88.7 million low-interest Community Disaster Loan (CDL) to provide the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) operational funding to continue to function after the substantial revenue loss caused by multiple disasters in the Pacific.
“Super Typhoon Yutu had devastating consequences for the people and economy of the CNMI,” said FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Tammy Littrell. “The amount of this additional community disaster loan required approval by Congress, and we know it will help ensure essential functions and recovery continue.”
Following a major disaster, the financial capacity of local governments may be severely undermined by a decrease in local revenues. The reduction in tax or other revenue can limit their ability to maintain public services or afford many extraordinary but necessary expenditures. Revenue loss frequently occurs when significant portions of the population are displaced for extended periods of time, or key sources of economic activity, like tourism, are heavily disrupted by a disaster.
“The impact of Super Typhoon Yutu significantly affected our lives, our economy, and our government revenue, and so we initiated this request for a Community Disaster Loan to help us continue essential services during our long-term recovery,” said Governor Ralph DLG. Torres. “On behalf of the CNMI, we would like to thank our FEMA partners and key staff, especially Acting Administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr. and FEMA Region IX, our CNMI Legislature for their due diligence in passing a resolution supporting our efforts, and Congressman Sablan for listening to our request for Congress to approve the appropriation.”
The shortage of revenues, and the resulting limitation on financial capacity, has been cited as one of the most significant and consistent hurdles to long-term disaster recovery. The CDL program provides loan assistance to local governments to help them overcome a loss in revenues. The core purpose of these community disasters loans is to permit the local governments to continue to provide municipal services, such as the protection of public health and safety and the operation of the public school system.
The government of CNMI and FEMA remain committed to the island’s vision to build back better, safer and more resilient to future disasters.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.
robert.barker Mon, 04/19/2021 - 15:08FEMA and Alabama to Open Community Vaccination Center at Watermark Place on April 21
FEMA, partnering with the state of Alabama and Jefferson County, is opening a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) site at the Watermark Place in Bessemer.
“The vaccine is our ticket out of COVID-19, and I continue encouraging Alabamians to get their shots. I am pleased that FEMA selected Alabama to house one of their clinics,” Governor Ivey said. “As this clinic gets rolling on April 21, I urge Alabamians still needing their vaccine shots to take advantage of this resource.”
This site will deliver up to 7,000 doses of vaccine per week. Personnel from the Alabama National Guard will support the administration of these vaccines.
Vaccines for CVCs are provided to the state in addition to the regular vaccine allocations the state receives. These additional vaccine doses are made possible through an increase in production and availability.
“We are committed to the equitable distribution of the vaccine and our top priority is to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one,” said Gracia Szczech, regional administrator for FEMA Region IV.
FEMA and the state will continue reach out to underserved communities in the Birmingham area to inform and build trust about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
The Watermark Place center will follow Alabama’s vaccine eligibility requirements. To schedule an appointment for the vaccine, individuals can visit myturn.timetap.com or call 205-858-2221.
The site will primarily offer drive-thru vaccinations (including high-occupancy vehicles); however, walk-ins can be accommodated. After receiving their vaccination, individuals will proceed to a post-vaccine waiting area for at least 15 minutes, per CDC guidelines, to be monitored for any adverse reactions.
FEMA is supporting Alabama in its response to COVID-19. Visit fema.gov/coronavirus for more information.
felicia.jordan Mon, 04/19/2021 - 14:47FEMA Awards $11 Million for Alaska’s COVID-19 Response
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) over $11 million for the operation of COVID-19 community-based testing sites in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska.
The $11,037,116 grant, which is provided at 100 percent federal cost share, reimburses Anchorage for costs incurred during the COVID-19 emergency response for the operation and management of drive-thru and mobile testing sites.
"Testing is a vital part of the COVID-19 response and helps ensure the health and safety of Alaskans,” said FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich.
Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, which reimburses communities for eligible actions taken to respond and recover from a disaster. This FEMA grant is paid directly to Alaska DHS&EM which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and state agencies that incurred eligible costs.
FEMA streamlined the Public Assistance application and reimbursement process for the COVID-19 response so that applicants can receive funds faster. Expedited reimbursements help state, local and tribal officials respond quickly to address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.
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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and our COVID-19 photo and video library for the latest updates.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
hannah.weinstein Fri, 04/16/2021 - 23:50FEMA approves $16.2 million for Hurricane Michael recovery
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved grants totaling $16,200,366 to reimburse recovery expenses in Florida for Hurricane Michael.
Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the following reimbursements:
- $1,806,732 to Bay County for operating temporary fire stations after the hurricane in Panama City and Southport.
- $2,317,993 to Bay County for repairs to the Waste to Energy Facility in Panama City.
- $1,302,091 to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for debris removal.
- $2,540,504 to Gadsden District Schools for repairs to buildings and portable classrooms at Greensboro Elementary School.
- $1,973,993 to Hiland Park United Pentecostal Church in Panama City for repairs to the sanctuary, fellowship hall, cafeteria, classrooms and other facilities.
- $4,398,806 to the city of Lynn Haven for debris removal.
- $1,860,247 to the Tri-County Advisory Council for repairs to the livestock and equestrian arena in Altha, Fla.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. FDEM works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Fri, 04/16/2021 - 19:38FEMA Awards $3.78 Million for Hurricane Dorian Expenses
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $3,781,942 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of emergency response and beach restoration following Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The FEMA Public Assistance program grants include:
Florida Department of Financial Services: $2,093,708 for 112 state mutual aid missions including the costs of labor, equipment, materials and contracts to manage search and rescue operations, respond to fires and provide emergency care.
Martin County: $1,688,234 for the cost of installing 54,433 cubic yards of engineered dune beach sand, 31,596 native dune plants and 1,500 linear feet of protective sand fencing at Bathtub Beach Reef Park.
The program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with subrecipients such as local and county governments.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Fri, 04/16/2021 - 19:24First Dose of Free Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Available Through May 1 at Military Circle Mall
Residents can register for an appointment slot ahead of the time online at norfolk.gov/covid19vaccine or come to the center and registration onsite. Same day appointments are available based on availability.
The center will continue to administer up to 1,000 additional first doses a day beginning April 19 through the May 1 cutoff for first doses. During that time, another 2,000 shots will be allocated for the necessary booster shot for clients that had previously receive their vaccine in the past 3 weeks.
Together with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Health, over 27,000 residents have received their first lifesaving vaccine at the site.
"Vaccinations are the most effective form of prevention. The sooner our community gets vaccinated, the sooner we can put the pandemic behind us," said Dr. Parham Jaberi chief deputy commissioner for the Virginia Department of Health and acting health director for the Norfolk/Virginia Beach Health Departments.
The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome anytime and anyone interested in receiving the free vaccine must bring a document that provides proof of name, like a utility bill or pay stub.
Social distancing measures are strictly enforced at the center and everyone who visits the site must wear a face covering at all times.
All community members are welcome at the vaccination center. Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.
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amanda.hancher Fri, 04/16/2021 - 18:59FEMA Deadline to Apply for February Winter Storms Extended
OKLAHOMA CITY — The deadline to register for Oklahoma residents seeking disaster assistance with FEMA has been extended to May 25 in the 16 counties designated for Individual Assistance following the February winter storms.
For eligible homeowners and renters in a designated county, FEMA assistance may include:
- Property: FEMA may assist with the repair of damage related to burst pipes as well as disaster-damaged heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, refrigerators and stoves.
- Other possible repairs that may be covered include:
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- Disaster-related damage to electrical, plumbing or gas in the home.
- Leaks in a roof that damage ceilings and threaten electrical components.
- Disaster-damaged subfloor in essential occupied parts of the home, and
- Disaster-related broken windows.
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Additional assistance may include lodging expenses, temporary housing, rental assistance, repair or replacement of damaged property, medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.
The 16 counties designated for disaster assistance are Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Comanche, Cotton, Hughes, Jefferson, Le Flore, McIntosh, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Stephens, Tulsa, and Wagoner.
FEMA’s Individual and Household Assistance program is not a substitute for insurance and may not pay for all losses caused by a disaster.
For more information or to register for assistance:
- Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
- Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
Survivors who do not have access to the internet can visit their local library to register or send documentation to FEMA. To find a library in a county approved for assistance, visit https://libraries.ok.gov/disaster-assistance. Survivors in Cotton County can visit a library in a surrounding approved county to upload documents. You can also contact 2-1-1 to find the nearest available location.
For the latest information on the February winter storms visit http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4587 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
Carmen.Castro Fri, 04/16/2021 - 18:41Team flexibility gets 40,000 registered for vaccines in West Virginia
“Mission complete” usually marks a satisfactory end to a deployment. But frequently, a mission can end with a different purpose from which it began and still be a success.
A FEMA team of 29 deployed to West Virginia in February to supplement the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) state vaccination effort by helping register participants at vaccine clinics covering 55 counties.
Not long after arrival, however, the mission changed from going to sites around the state to being housed on a floor of the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) offices in downtown Charleston.
There, the team went down a list of those entered on the state vaccination registration system and contacted them via email, text and phone to schedule their vaccine appointments with Walgreens, a Federal Pharmacy Partnership provider. By the time the team’s deployment was completed in mid-March, nearly 40,000 registrants had been scheduled for their COVID-19 shots.
While the venue may have changed, the goal of getting shots in arms was met. Further, the FEMA team’s work served as a bridge between registration managed by the state to a decentralized model where Walgreens, federally qualified clinics and independent pharmacies would also schedule their own vaccination appointments.
“We always use the term ‘FEMA flexible’ when circumstances change and the team has to make adjustments. This deployment was perfect example of that,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3. “By working together with our state and private sector partners, the team was still able to meet the goal of getting shots in arms, even if it took a different path to get there.”
FEMA’s state partners voiced similar sentiments.
“The teamwork between FEMA, DHHR, the Board of Pharmacy, the rest of the JIATF and Walgreens really represents how the vaccine effort is done in West Virginia,” said Lisa Costello, a West Virginia University pediatrics hospitalist at the JIATF, who served as the point person for the operation. “Everybody came together to get the vaccination scheduling done by adapting to changes in a short time.”
State residents can call their local Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Fruth or local independent pharmacy to schedule vaccine appointments. They can also find and schedule appointments at vaccinefinder.org. West Virginians can still register for their COVID-19 vaccine at www.vaccinate.wv.gov or by calling the West Virginia COVID-19 Info Line at 1-833-734-0965. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
amanda.hancher Fri, 04/16/2021 - 18:32FEMA Provides an Additional $1.6 Million to Colorado For COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided more than $1.6 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $520.6 million for the Colorado COVID-19 response to date.
The $1.6 million was provided to Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for administering and managing Public Assistance awards.
This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021, Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.
anthony.mayne Fri, 04/16/2021 - 18:07Virtual Information Sessions for Louisiana Storm Survivors Planned (Week 2)
BATON ROUGE, La. –The second week in a series of virtual information sessions on disaster recovery programs and services will take place Apr. 21 through Apr. 24. The sessions will provide survivors with valuable resources needed to assist in their recovery efforts as they rebuild and repair their homes and lives after the recent Louisiana disasters. These virtual information sessions are an alternate response to continue current state disaster recovery efforts during the national pandemic situation.
Sessions will be delivered via Zoom and Closed Captioning will be available.
Registration, session times, topics and more information on the virtual disaster recovery fairs can be found at: https://getagameplan.org/resources/disaster-recovery-assistance/zoom-webinars/
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. For the latest information for Hurricane Zeta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4577. For the latest information on February’s Winter Storms, visit fema.gov/disaster/4590. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6
stuart.lewis Fri, 04/16/2021 - 14:46FEMA Partners with Indian Health Service for Mobile COVID Vaccination Units to Serve Northern Plains
DENVER – FEMA and the Indian Health Service are partnering to provide COVID vaccination services to 13 communities in North Dakota and South Dakota. Two mobile vaccinations units will be operating on schedules beginning April 19 and running through the end of May. The units will be making two stops in each community, so that both doses of the vaccine can be delivered.
“This partnership will allow us to expand access to vaccines in tribal communities and reach more people as we work to achieve community immunity,” said IHS Great Plains Area Director James Driving Hawk. “We’re especially excited that these events will allow us to vaccinate 16 and 17-year-olds in more tribal communities.”
The mobile vaccination sites will be able to provide up to 250 shots a day. No pre-registration is required, with vaccinations provided first come-first served. The sites will be walk through, with parking available, and the vaccination and post-shot waiting areas are protected from the elements. Vaccines are available to anyone age 16 and older. Those who are 16 and 17 will need permission from a parent or guardian. The vaccine that is authorized for individuals aged 16-17 requires ultra-cold storage. The mobile vaccination units have the capability of storing and administering this vaccine.
The full schedules for both traveling units are below:
Table 1: Northern Vaccination Unit Schedule
Community Location - Address 1st Visit Dates 2nd Visit Dates Sisseton, S.D. Buffalo Lanes - 46112 SD Hwy 10 April 19-20 May 10-11 Eagle Butte, S.D. Cheyenne River Cultural Center - US Hwy 212 April 22-23 May 13-14 Fort Yates, N.D. IHS Health Center - 10 S. River Rd. April 25 May 16 Bismarck, N.D. United Tribes Technical College - 3315 University Dr. April 26-27 May 17-18 Trenton, N.D. Community Health Clinic - 331 4th Ave. E. May 1-2 May 22-23 Bottineau, N.D. Bottineau Co. Fairgrounds - 60 Main St. May 4-5 May 25-26Table 2: Northern Vaccination Unit Schedule
Community Location - Address 1st Visit Dates 2nd Visit Dates Rosebud, S.D. Rosebud Casino - 30421 US Hwy 83 April 19-20 May 10-11 Wagner, S.D. Old Shopko Building - 905 W. SD Hwy 46 April 22-23 May 13-14 Flandreau, S.D. Royal River Casino - 607 S. Veterans St. April 25-26 May 16-17 Oacoma, S.D. Old West Museum Trading Post - 403 E SD Hwy 16 May 1 May 22 Lower Brule, S.D. Indian Health Center - 601 Gall St. May 2 May 23 Rapid City, S.D. Old Central HS tennis courts – Mt. Rushmore Rd. near Rapid Creek May 4-5 May 25-26 Oglala, S.D. Prairie Winds Casino - 112 Casino Dr. May 7-8 May 28-29Brian.Hvinden Fri, 04/16/2021 - 01:09
Philadelphia’s Center City Vaccination Center to Extend Operations Until May 25
Operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week, the CCVC administered over 240,000 first and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in its first six weeks.
Given its success in augmenting Philadelphia’s vaccination efforts, the City has requested an extension of the CCVC. After reviewing several options with FEMA, the City of Philadelphia has elected to extend the CCVC as a federally supported vaccination center for an additional four weeks. Together and with our partners, FEMA and the City of Philadelphia will continue to provide up to 6,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine per day at the CCVC.
Janice Barlow, Acting FEMA Region 3 Administrator, expressed FEMA’s ongoing commitment to the vaccination mission in Philadelphia, “FEMA and our federal, state, and local partners have been working tirelessly over the last several weeks to vaccinate thousands of Philadelphians at the Center City Vaccination Center. This site was one of the first of its kind in the nation and has served as a model of equity and efficiency with regards to vaccine distribution to many other areas in the country. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia to get even more Philadelphians vaccinated over an additional four weeks, especially as eligibility expands.”
“The Center City Vaccination Center has been an extremely successful part of the City’s overall COVID-19 vaccine effort,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “This partnership of federal, state, and local agencies has not only provided hundreds of thousands of doses of life-saving vaccine, but has worked to increase the equitable distribution of that vaccine. I am pleased to see their mission be extended.”
“Cases of COVID-19 are continuing to rise in Philadelphia and the surrounding region, which means it’s more important than ever that every Philadelphian be vaccinated,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “The Center City Vaccination Center has been a key component of our overall strategy to make vaccines easily available to everyone who is eligible in Philadelphia.”
Although initially appointment only, to help bridge the digital divide and improve equitable vaccine distribution across the city, the CCVC offered open access and walk-up clinic vaccination opportunities for residents in the City’s most under-vaccinated communities. This open access opportunities resulted in a material increase in residents from these underserved communities getting vaccinated.
The CCVC is staffed by FEMA Civil Rights Advisors and Disability Integration Advisors to ensure the vaccination process is accessible and equitable. To meet the needs of Philadelphia’s diverse communities, on average 19 on-site language interpreters support the CCVC every day, primarily in Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indonesian, and American Sign Language. Translation services are augmented by a telephonic language line that covers over 100 additional languages.
The CCVC provides an expedited vaccination process for people with access and functional needs. Over 50 wheelchairs are available and used at the CCVC each day. Volunteers from several voluntary service organizations accompany visitors who need assistance, allowing the visitor to move through the vaccination process more smoothly. The CCVC also includes privacy and sensory rooms for visitors who wish to receive their vaccine in private or have sensory sensitivity considerations, which include items like noise-canceling headphones.
With the extension, the CCVC will continue to operate through May 25, 2021. Since the City of Philadelphia’s decision to pause the Johnson and Johnson vaccine well before the CCVC’s opening on April 13th, the CCVC was able to quickly and safely pivot to continuing the administration of first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. No Johnson and Johnson vaccines were delivered at the CCVC on that day and the pivot back to Pfizer was a true testament to the hard work, dedication and focus on patient safety displayed on a daily basis by all interagency partners involved in the large vaccination center’s daily operations.
Vaccines will be provided using a mix of scheduled appointments as well as opportunities for same-day walk-ups. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health will schedule appointments for Philadelphia residents who have completed the City’s Vaccine Interest form between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.. If residents do not have internet access, have issues filling out the online form, or need the form in an additional language, they should call 3-1-1. City residents will also be permitted to walk up without an appointment between 8 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
To check current vaccine eligibility in Philadelphia, please visit the Philadelphia Department of Public Health website.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
amanda.hancher Thu, 04/15/2021 - 17:27FEMA approves additional $9.2 million for Florida Division of Emergency Management for Hurricane Michael recovery expenses
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $9,232,418 to reimburse the Florida Division of Emergency Management for emergency protective measures during and after Hurricane Michael.
This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. FDEM works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Thu, 04/15/2021 - 15:29FEMA Provides Over $104.4 Million to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for COVID-19 Vaccinations in 2021
REGION 1 – Vermont will receive $ 104,438,131 from FEMA to support the State with emergency protective measures to store, handle, transport, distribute, and administer the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with their Vaccination Plan. These funds are being awarded to support the Vermont Agency of Human Services in order to address this immediate threat to life and public safety.
The grant supported a total of 13 vaccination centers across the state from Jan. 21 to April 21. Along with the emergency protective measures eligible costs included, but are not limited to personal protective equipment, medical and support staff, emergency medical care and supplies, and dissemination of information to the public.
The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.
“Through FEMA’s partnership, this critical funding will assist the State in ensuring they have the necessary funds to carry out their vaccination plan.” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program is essential to keeping communities safe while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout New England.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program can be found at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
As of April 15, FEMA’s PA program has obligated more than $213 million to Vermont for its pandemic response.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 04/15/2021 - 14:01FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update
WASHINGTON -- In alignment with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, FEMA is pausing administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at our pilot community vaccination centers and mobile vaccination units. We are working with our state partners to determine the path forward and find alternative vaccine options for these sites.
FEMA continues working with state governments to open additional federal pilot community vaccination centers, which include federal support and supplemental vaccine allocations:
- Today, centers are scheduled to open in Pueblo, Colorado, St. Paul, Minnesota and Columbia, South Carolina.
- Later this week, a center will open in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
FEMA mobile vaccination units have begun operations. These vehicles can bring vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites.
FEMA began processing applications for funeral assistance on April 12 and as of this morning has received more than 56,000 funeral assistance applications. The agency is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses that occured after Jan. 20, 2020 and going forward.
On the first day of application processing, the call center received more than 1 million calls, which caused some technical issues. Some applicants reached operators, while others received a busy signal. We ask that applicants be patient as we work to correct these issues and have all their important documents ready when they call to apply. Please know there is no deadline to apply and applicants will have the ability to open a case. We will not rush through calls because we intend to make sure that every applicant gets their questions answered and receives the help they need to apply.
Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available.
mayshaunt.gary Wed, 04/14/2021 - 21:40FEMA Provides Over $4.8 Million to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
REGION 1 –FEMA awarded a $4,863,467 grant to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) for its COVID-19-pandemic response and protective measures that ensured public safety statewide from Jan. 20, 2020 to Oct. 31, 2020.
FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program funds provided equipment, PPE and supplies – including tracking procurement and distribution from its Cranston headquarters warehouse – to departments, agencies, boards and commissions that performed that performed emergency protective measures, as well as medical and technical support. The funds are reimbursed 100% through FEMA’s PA Program.
“This grant is just one of the many positive results of the amazing partnership between FEMA and Rhode Island through RIEMA,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “FEMA continues to support Rhode Island in its long-term goals to recover stronger and safer from the pandemic.”
As of April 12th, FEMA’s PA Program obligated more than $177 million related to the pandemic in Rhode Island.
FEMA’s PA Program in New England is for states, localities, Tribes and certain types of private nonprofit organizations. More information about it is at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
adrien.urbani Wed, 04/14/2021 - 21:25FEMA Provides Over $7.6 Million to the Rhode Island Department of Administration
REGION 1 – FEMA awarded a $7,611,771 grant to the Rhode Island Department of Administration, paying for three alternate care sites in the state that treated COVID-19 patients from Sept. 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020.
The funds were awarded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program are for alternate care sites at the former Citizens Bank building in Cranston: the former Lowe’s Home Improvement store in North Kingstown’s Quonset Business Park; and the Rhode Island Convention Center in downtown Providence, where no events have been held during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are reimbursed 100% through FEMA’s PA Program.
Based on a number of factors, the state-established Rhode Island Alternative Hospital Site Planning Committee chose the locations – adding 1,385 hospital beds statewide.
“This grant pays for Rhode Island’s need for more hospital beds during a projected surge of COVID-19 patients last year,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “FEMA continues to support Rhode Island in its long-term goals to recover stronger and safer from the pandemic.”
As of April 12th, FEMA’s PA Program obligated more than $177 million related to the pandemic in Rhode Island.
FEMA’s PA Program in New England is for states, localities, Tribes and certain types of private nonprofit organizations. More information about it is at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Wed, 04/14/2021 - 21:12FEMA Provides Over $46.6 Million to the Vermont Agency of Human Services
REGION 1 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $46,669,040 to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for the state’s Hotel/Motel Vouchers Program for individuals who were high risk populations and required non-congregate medical sheltering.
The approved participants in the state program were able to stay in hotels and motels statewide.
Funding for this project comes from FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program (PA) under a major disaster declaration for Vermont and is provided at 100 percent federal cost share.
“We are pleased to provide this grant to the Vermont Agency of Human Services to help it manage the financial demands it is experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is essential to keeping communities safe while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout New England.”
Additional information about the program can be found at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
As of April 14, FEMA PA Program has obligated more than $166 million to Vermont for its pandemic response.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
adrien.urbani Wed, 04/14/2021 - 20:57Pages
