New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd announced yesterday that federal funding in the amount $15.5 million has been allocated for various health initiatives to help families and communities impacted by Superstorm Sandy, which struck nearly one year ago.
"Families still recovering from Superstorm Sandy need our help. The Departments of Health, Children and Families and Human Services are working collaboratively to ensure that families, especially children, have comprehensive services to support them during recovery,” said O’Dowd.
In addition to the previously announced health programs and initiatives for Sandy-impacted families, the three new initiatives will provide:
- Up to $4 million in federal Social Services Block Grant funds to community health centers, hospital clinics and ambulatory care centers to hire social workers or behavioral health specialists to screen individuals in primary healthcare settings for domestic violence, substance abuse and behavioral health issues;
- $2.2 million in federal funds for three studies to analyze the health effects and recovery status of New Jersey residents and recovery workers impacted by Superstorm Sandy; and
- $293,000 to the Rutgers School of Public Health in New Brunswick to conduct additional free mold remediation classes for homeowners, business owners and local health and code enforcement officials.
O’Dowd also encouraged New Jersey Federally Qualified Health Centers, hospital clinics and ambulatory care centers to apply for up to $4 million in federal funds to screen patients for post-Sandy behavioral health issues.
Federal funding for the three studies includes $490,000 from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to study work-related injuries and illnesses among first responders, Red Cross volunteers and tree care workers; $540,202 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to examine health impacts among vulnerable populations; and nearly $1.2 million to study families exposed to and recovering from Superstorm Sandy.
