Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) has received a total of $6,980,956 to support its preparedness and response efforts against public health crises and emerging diseases.  The funding was awarded through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not lose sight of other public health initiatives that protect the health and safety of the community,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “We welcome this investment, which will help to ensure that Maine has the resources to prepare for and respond to future public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks.”

The funding was allocated as follows:

·       Maine DHHS received $5,200,000 through CDC’s Center for Preparedness and Response to prepare and respond to public health emergencies.

·       Maine DHHS received $1,780,956 through CDC’s Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases to prevent and control emerging diseases.

The CDC’s Center for Preparedness and Response prevents, prepares for, and responds to adverse health effects of public health emergencies and disasters.

The CDC’s Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases provides leadership, expertise, and service concerning epidemiological science, bioterrorism preparedness, applied research, disease surveillance, and outbreak response for infectious diseases