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Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators

Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (bothD-N.J.) announced a combined total of $23,070,897 to the State Police of New Jersey and Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc. from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DOH) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These grants will cover emergency protective equipment costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic including cleaning and disinfection services, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing.

The New Jersey State Police was awarded $13,880,057.66 to cover COVID operations through contracted services, equipment, materials, warehouse storage for PPE, vaccines and supplies, refrigerator units and forklifts, testing services, and maintenance for the equipment, generators and ventilators. Hackensack Meridian Health was awarded $9,190,839.45 to cover the costs incurred during the pandemic for materials and services such as contract disinfection services, cleaning supplies, PPE storage, disposable supplies, and temperature screening services.

“COVID-19 impacted all facets of life in the U.S., including our first responders’ and frontline health workers’ ability to protect and serve their communities. This fast-spreading, deadly virus put the men and women working in hospitals, health centers, and law enforcement in the difficult position of compromising their health for the sake of others,” said Sen. Menendez. “That’s why this funding is critical in eliminating the potential financial burden these organizations may face with the costs used to acquire life-saving equipment, contracted cleaning and maintenance services, and hiring additional staff.”

“Since the onset of Covid-19, our first responders and health care workers have put their lives on the line to keep our communities healthy and safe,” said Sen. Booker. “Federal funding such as this ensures that they can continue to provide essential services that are crucial to keeping all New Jerseyans protected.”

In March, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced $16.3M in FEMA funding to NJ medical centers, including Centrastate Healthcare System, Holy Name Hospital, and Middlesex, Essex and Morris Counties. In the same month, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced $48.2M in FEMA funding to Hackensack Meridian Health Inc. for testing, staffing, personal protective equipment and medical supply costs. Also in March, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced $2.9M in FEMA funding for staffing costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic by Valley Hospital and Cape Regional Medical Center.