NH Delegation Welcomes Over $13M to Bolster Public Health Infrastructure to Safeguard Against Future Outbreaks & Diseases

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced today that $12,914,171 is heading to New Hampshire to support public health infrastructure. Specifically, the funding will provide flexibility for the State to support recruiting and training a robust public health workforce, as well as helping protect people from preventable diseases, stopping outbreaks, and monitoring public health data. 

The award comes from the American Rescue Plan, which the delegation supported, and was funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant program. 

“The COVID crisis illustrated just how critical investments in our public health infrastructure are – both so we can continue to combat the evolving pandemic and so we can protect Granite Staters from other health emergencies. Investing in a strong public health workforce and ensuring we have the systems in place to keep our communities healthy are essential steps, which is why I’m glad to welcome over $13 million to New Hampshire from the CDC,” said Senator Shaheen. “This funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, which I supported, and I will continue to ensure our state has the tools needed to safeguard public health and protect communities from preventable diseases.”  

“Public health workers play a vital role in supporting Granite Staters’ well-being, from visiting new moms and their babies to addressing the opioid epidemic to helping people manage diabetes and other long-term health concerns. New Hampshire needs more public health workers, and this federal funding will be a big help in recruiting and training more public health workers for both the state and local communities,” said Senator Hassan. 

“These federal funds will play an essential role in improving New Hampshire’s critical public health infrastructure by supporting and expanding our health care workforce and systems,” said Rep. Kuster, a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. “I am proud to advocate for our Granite State hospitals, first responders, and health care providers and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this funding on the health of our state and our communities.” 

“The health and well-being of Granite Staters depend on our state having the resources necessary to recruit and retain a well-trained health care and public health workforce as well as modern health care infrastructure,” said Rep. Pappas. “When I speak with health care providers across the First District, workforce issues are always among their most pressing challenges. These federal funds will assist New Hampshire’s public health systems in meeting those staffing and workforce needs and invest in critical infrastructure and data support to help ensure New Hampshire families and communities can get the care they need.” 

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