By Tim Mastro

WILMINGTON — Nearly $17 million is coming to Delawareans impacted by COVID-19, as well as health care professionals at the Department of Health and Social Services’ 24/7 facilities.

The financial support will also expand COVID vaccinations and testing, and provide housing assistance for vulnerable Delawareans, Gov. John Carney announced Tuesday. The funds come via the American Rescue Plan Act which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.

The new round of ARPA-funded projects includes retention payments for DHSS, housing assistance, COVID-19 testing in child care centers, housing for vulnerable pregnant women, improved access to vaccines for the homebound and emergency supplies for families.

“It’s been two years since we saw our first COVID-19 case in Delaware. Our dedicated teams at the Department of Health and Social Services have been on the front lines of our battle against the virus. These ARPA investments will continue building on their great work in responding and mitigating the virus across our state,” Gov. Carney said in a statement. “We have provided more ARPA funds to DHSS than any other state agency to respect the tremendous dedication, sacrifice and innovation of our public health professionals.”

The retention payments will account for $6.7 million of the funds. They will be quarterly payments to DHSS’ registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and other direct-care staff at its 24/7 facilities in response to a shortage of health care workers.

For housing assistance, Gov. Carney said the state is using $6 million to keep hundreds of Delaware families impacted by the crisis in motels and hotels and other temporary housing services. Gov. Carney’s office said this funding will allow more families to begin the transition from emergency housing to permanent housing.

The state is also partnering with the Delaware Department of Education to use $1.5 million worth of funding to provide for COVID-19 testing at early childhood development and education centers. Quidel, which has provided rapid antigen testing at Delaware’s K-12 schools beginning in 2021, will expand its services to these child care centers.

The Division of Public Health will also utilize $1.5 million to support a housing program with wraparound services to serve vulnerable pregnant women.

For older Delawareans and individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing COVID-19 vaccine locations, DHSS is expanding its existing program via $1.1 million in funding. This program delivers vaccines to people who are homebound, in partnership with independent pharmacies, pharmacist contractors, and nursing students and their supervisors. Delawareans can be assessed for an at-home vaccine or booster by calling DHSS’ toll-free hotline at 1-888-491-4988.

An additional $194,000 is going toward families enrolled in home visiting programs. Contractors through DPH will provide emergency supplies, including face masks, hand sanitizer, no-touch thermometers, diapers, infant formula, food and water.

“These funds address the true intent of ARPA where they will have the greatest impact by helping homebound citizens, childcare centers, homeless individuals and our health and social services workers on the frontlines fighting COVID,” Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long said in a statement. “As we continue to recover from COVID, we will provide vaccines to homebound persons, expand testing to childcare centers, work on retaining our health workforce, and provide housing supports to those impacted by the pandemic. As a nurse, I have witnessed firsthand the bravery and dedication of our health care workforce and I want to thank the Congressional leaders for the funds. These much needed federal funds are going to directly help those who need help the most. That is how we will continue to build a stronger, healthier, equitable state.”