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PARKERSBURG -- The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources will receive $28.4 million to support and expand COVID-19 vaccine programs across the state, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said.
The funds are through the American Rescue Plan and are distributed through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
"This funding from the American Rescue Plan is great news for West Virginia and will put funds directly in the hands of local healthcare providers who can promote and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to their own communities," Manchin said.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services, to expand access and ensure greater equity in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, requires 60 percent of the funds directly go to local health departments, community-based organizations and community health centers, Manchin said. Additionally, 75 percent of total funding must focus on programs to increase COVID-19 vaccine access and acceptance among racial and ethnic minority groups.
Manchin Wednesday announced all Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers and look-alike health centers in West Virginia can participate in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program. The program will allow 31 health centers in West Virginia to order COVID-19 vaccine doses directly from the federal government, increasing West Virginia's overall dose allocation.