The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be providing grants totaling up to $390.5 million to all states, territories and metro areas in an effort to strengthen the nation’s medical surge capabilities following an emergency.The funds are part of the HHS’ Hospital Preparedness Program. They are given to the states to help hospitals and other healthcare organizations prepare for sudden drastic impacts, such as natural disasters or outbreaks, that would result in a sudden surge of people requiring medical care.
The money will go toward the advancement of systems to track available hospital beds, communication systems, advance registration of volunteer health professionals, plans for evacuations or sheltering, facility management, strengthening healthcare partnerships and hospital participation in exercise programs.
The grants are expected to enhance community resilience and will begin to be distributed nationally this month.
