PHILADELPHIA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated $2.3 million to the District of Columbia to support its vaccination program, including the measures the District is taking to prioritize essential workers and vulnerable populations.
The District of Columbia’s allocation of vaccines reflect its ongoing commitment to addressing health disparities. Each week, the District opens vaccine appointments a day earlier to individuals 65 and older and healthcare workers living in priority zip codes where residents are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Additionally, DC partners with local providers who are skilled at reaching vulnerable populations and essential workers to ensure they are offered the chance to get vaccinated through special programs.
DC recently worked with those partners to offer a vaccine to teachers and staff members working in person at public and charter schools. More than 3,100 teachers and staff members have already received their first dose. Last week, the District successfully reopened public schools, and expanded their educational vaccination initiative to include individuals who work at independent schools and licensed childcare providers.
“Equity and reaching underserved populations have been central to the District of Columbia’s flexible response framework since the pandemic began last year,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3. “FEMA is excited to continue to partner with DC to protect residents and essential workers.”
- Supplies and commodities needed to safely store and administer the vaccine.
- Transportation support and reasonable, necessary security for refrigerated trucks and support for leasing space to store and/or administer vaccines, including utilities, maintenance, and security.
- Medical and support staff, including onsite infection control measures, personal protective equipment for staff, cloth face coverings for patients, temperature scanners, physical barriers, and disinfection of the facility in accordance with CDC guidance.
- Dissemination of public information and communication regarding vaccinations.
FEMA has also provided an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to help coordinate response activities and logistics with the District of Columbia.
For information on the District of Columbia’s vaccination response, visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine
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For questions about FEMA or FEMA Region 3 support of the District of Columbia, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3