According to a Wednesday press release from Indian Health Service (IHS), the Biden Administration is announcing an investment of $1.8 billion to combat COVID-19 in Indian Country. The investment is part of President Biden’s continued efforts to ensure the pandemic response reaches all people and all communities. This is in addition to an investment of more than $4 billion that was announced in April 2021.
“This investment from the American Rescue Plan will strengthen the public health workforce in Indian Country, support mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment, continue efforts to detect and treat COVID-19, and meet facility and equipment needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Elizabeth Fowler, IHS acting director. “Investing in our workforce and providing our team with the facilities, equipment, supplies, and funds they need is absolutely critical to ensuring our ability to fulfill the IHS mission of raising the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level."
Today’s allocations include:
- $240 million for Public Health Workforce Activities
- $420 million for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
- $500 million to Detect, Diagnose, Trace, Monitor, and Mitigate COVID-19 Infections
- $610 million for COVID-19-Related Facilities Activities
Click Here to Read the Original Press Release >
Source
Indian Health Service. (2021 June 16). Biden Administration Invests Additional $1.8 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funding to Combat COVID-19 in Indian Country [Press release]. https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2021-press-releases/biden-administration-invests-additional-1-8-billion-in-american-rescue-plan-funding-to-combat-covid-19-in-indian-country/
