State Begins Allocation of $20 Million To Support Local Health Districts

The state recently approved the first 21 local health districts and departments – including the Ledge Light Health District and Uncas Health District – that will receive a portion of $20 million in funding allocated as part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Cooperative Agreement.

Under the agreement, the funding is intended to be used by local health districts and departments to:

• Enhance laboratory detection, surveillance (contact tracing), response, informatics, and other workforce capacity;
• Strengthen laboratory testing volume and capacity;
• Coordinate and engage with partners as needed to respond to and prevent COVID-19;
• Prevent and minimize disease transmission of COVID-19; and
• Conduct health promotion activities associated with each of the previously mentioned activities.

The funding, administered by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, will be distributed to each local health district and department over the course of three years:

All of Connecticut’s 65 local health districts and departments will receive a portion of the $20 million based on per-capita and poverty levels for each jurisdiction. The first 21 health districts have been approved and include but are not limited to:

• Bridgeport – Year one: $510,243; Total: $1,275,606
• East Hartford – Year one: $136,449; Total: $341,123
• Ledge Light Health District – Year one: $344,683; Total: $861,707
• Manchester – Year one: $127,278; Total: $318,196
• Meriden – Year one: $145,939; Total: $364,847
• New Britain – Year one: $258,350; Total: $645,876
• Uncas Health District – Year one: $223,845; Total: $559,611
• Waterbury – Year one: $403,187; Total: $1,007,96

Any health district that hasn’t applied is strongly encouraged to reach out to the Connecticut Department of Public Health and file their application as soon as possible. Inquiries should be directed to LHDELCinbox@ct.gov.