State Dedicating $24M To Help Protect Seniors Against COVID-19
Mar 12, 2020, 10:36 AM | Updated: 10:37 am
The Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. (Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The state is allocating more than $24 million to help protect seniors in Utah against COVID-19m according to a Utah State Legislature statement.
Senate President Stuart Adams and Speaker of the House Brad Wilson made the announcement Thursday.
Before closing the 2020 legislative session, lawmakers will vote to include additional funding for Meals on Wheels, the Food Box Program, new in-home medical testing services, an in-home supportive services program for vulnerable populations, and for local health departments to create intensive response programs for seniors.
The funds are in addition to the $16 million given to the Division of Finance and the $4 million taken from the Disaster Recovery Restriction Account, according to the statement.
“Health experts have warned that people of advanced age are at a higher risk of developing significant health issues as a result of contracting the virus,” Wilson said. “As county health workers and other organizations that care for the elderly are already doing great work, we want to ensure they have the funds they need to help seniors and others affected by the virus.”
