FEMA grants $1.7M to UVM Medical Center for COVID costs

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - FEMA is reimbursing the UVM Medical Center nearly $1.7 million.

It’s to compensate the hospital for the additional costs of operating during the pandemic, including additional labor expenses.

So far, FEMA has provided almost $394 million in pandemic reimbursement grants to Vermont.

“The cost of additional operation, PPE, screeners, cost to keep facility safe can be significant. So, our program comes in and it provides that kind of financial support within the parameters of our program for these hospitals in this case to stay online and focus their attention on what’s important,” said Celis Brisbin of FEMA.

FEMA employees also say the money is a critical element in helping the country continue to recover from the virus.

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