COVID-19
Administration Reminds Governors of Federal Emergency Funding to Respond to Triple Threat – COVID-19, RSV & Flu
Earlier in December, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter to state governors reminding them about the availability of federal emergency funding to respond to the triple threat of RSV, COVID-19 and seasonal flu that is currently challenging the capacity of many hospitals and health systems. As noted in the letter, unlike the initial federal emergency funding for COVID-19 that was distributed to nearly all health systems, current emergency funding will be distributed on a case-by-case basis, upon request.
In the letter, Secretary Becerra clarifies that the current COVID-19 public health emergency grants the federal government the authority to respond to other health threats like RSV and flu, in addition to responding to continuing COVID-19 challenges.
The letter also highlights available funding, including $400 million from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prepare for and respond to public health threats each year, including flu and other respiratory diseases such as RSV, along with data, analysis and other planning resources put together by the federal government. Further, the federal government is monitoring the supply chain for critical drugs and devices and federal health officials over the past month have been engaging with the nation's governors through a meeting hosted by the National Governors Association.
Hospitals seeking emergency assistance to cope with the challenges posed by COVID-19, RSV and flu should work with their state governor to apply for federal emergency assistance. Governors are encouraged to communicate directly with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response regional staff to obtain additional information and communicate any requests.
Last Reviewed: December 2022
