Funding Supports the Cost of PPE & Disinfectant Supplies
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced federal funding totaling $1,640,522 for Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). Funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the award reimburses the medical center for personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies needed to treat and prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as contract services used to support hospital functions during the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic required hospitals to provide equipment and materials far beyond the scope of their standard operating procedure, in addition to providing care for COVID and non-COVID patients. This was particularly challenging for major medical providers, like ECMC, who served on the front lines continuously from the onset of the pandemic,” said Congressman Higgins. “Federal funding will help cover some of those unplanned expenses and ensure that the hospital remains prepared for any future public health crises.”
ECMC is a vital healthcare provider in Western New York, including underserved communities in the City of Buffalo. It is the only Level One Adult Trauma facility in the region. The hospital maintains 573 inpatient beds, 30 outpatient services, and a 390-bed long-term care rehabilitation facility on its 65-acre health campus..
The onset of the coronavirus pandemic was an immediate threat to the health and safety of the Western New York community, requiring an emergency response and proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the disease. Throughout the pandemic, the hospital has provided additional labor, medical supplies and personal protective equipment such as masks and gowns. They also used disinfectant supplies like hand sanitizer and cleaning products above and beyond normal procedures in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Funding from this grant addresses the costs associated with the basic protective supplies needed to treat and prevent the spread of COVID-19 from July 1, 2020, through January 31, 2021. $1,252,562.39 will help pay for PPE and disinfectant expenses and $387,960 will be allocated toward the cost of contract services. This funding is in addition to over $1.95 million in federal funding previously announced for ECMC by Congressman Higgins.
ECMC has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure that members of the Western New York community with serious COVID-19 cases have access to the care they need, in addition to the medical services they typically provide. In January the hospital welcomed a 20-member clinical Department of Defense Military Medical Team to support their Emergency Department and Critical Care units for a two-month period during the COVID-19 winter surge across New York State.
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