U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) announced $80,541,230 in federal funding was awarded to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). The funding will be used to strengthen the state’s public health infrastructure, ensuring the state’s robust prevention, preparedness and response efforts during emerging health threats and ultimately improving the health of residents across the state. The senators secured this funding in the American Rescue Plan.

“I’m proud of New Jersey’s aggressive response during the pandemic and leading the way for so many other states across the nation,” said Sen. Menendez. “Still, the pandemic placed a strain on our public health resources and this additional funding will help strengthen our infrastructure and ensure we are more prepared when the next public health crisis emerges. I’ll continue fighting for federal resources such as this funding to keep New Jersey families safe and healthy.”

“As we continue to confront COVID and other health threats, investing in our public health infrastructure is as important as ever,” said Sen. Booker. “This award will ensure that our local health departments are well equipped and have the resources necessary to protect our communities’ health and well-being.”

Grant recipients can use this funding, which was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to increase the representation of public health staff, improve organizational systems and processes and modernize data infrastructure. State health departments are also required to direct a portion of this funding to local health departments to boost their workforces.