May 16, 2024

National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities Funding

This funding was provided to address COVID-19 related health disparities and advance health equity by expanding health department capacity and services.
CDC awarded funding to 108 recipients including state, local, US territorial, and freely associated state health departments.

Background

The intended outcomes of this $2.25 billion grant are to:

Reduce COVID-19-related health disparities.
Improve and increase testing and contact tracing among populations at higher risk and those that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities.
Improve health department capacity and services to prevent and control COVID-19 infection among populations at higher risk and those that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities.

*A No Cost Extension for up to 12 additional months, where needed, was approved. Recipients may accomplish proposed activities through May 31, 2024.

Expand existing and/or develop new mitigation and prevention resources and services to reduce COVID-19 related disparities among populations at higher risk and that are underserved.
Increase/improve data collection and reporting for populations experiencing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Build, leverage, and expand infrastructure support for COVID-19 prevention and control among populations that are at higher risk and underserved.
Mobilize partners and collaborators to advance health equity and address social determinants of health as they relate to COVID-19 health disparities among populations at higher risk and that are underserved.