FEMA Provides $3 Million to the Minnesota Department of Health for Vaccine Distribution Costs

Release Date Release Number
R5-21-NR-016
Release Date:
February 23, 2021

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the  Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division (DPS-HSEM) announced today that $3 million in federal funding has been made available to the Minnesota Department of Health for costs related to the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan under the federal disaster declaration of April 7, 2020.

This funding is an advance payment to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for eligible reimbursable costs to setup three vaccination centers throughout the state for rapid distribution and administration of available COVID-19 vaccines. A call center and website were also established to disseminate public information regarding vaccinations.

“Our main priority is to ensure vaccinations are accessible and are distributed equitably across Minnesota,” said Joe Kelly, director of DPS-HSEM. “These funds helped Minnesota launch the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, which allows MDH to alert those who signed up about eligibility and upcoming vaccination opportunities.”

“FEMA is committed to ensuring anyone who wants a vaccine can get one,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This expedited grant funding will help Minnesota fight this pandemic and expand availability of COVID-19 vaccines across the state.”

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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