Press Release
CentraState awarded $1.1M federal grantCentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ has been awarded a $1.1 million federal grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the cost of many of the hospital’s extensive emergency measures taken as a result of the COVID pandemic, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). “The pandemic hit New Jersey hard and the staff at CentraState—as well as first responders throughout our state—work tirelessly to meet the pandemic head-on,” said Rep. Smith who has assisted CentraState in obtaining access to medication, ventilators and PPE such as gloves and masks during the pandemic. “This federal grant will reimburse the hospital in part for the protective measures implemented and gear provided to help safeguard workers and patients threatened by COVID-19. “I remain impressed by CentraState’s extremely talented, compassionate medical staff and hospital personnel,” Smith said. “Their expertise, tenacity and devotion to all patients during this unprecedented national healthcare emergency has been remarkable and we are grateful for their commitment to our community, neighbors and friends.” “As we continue to care for COVID-19 patients and embark on a large scale vaccination effort in our community, we are very grateful to receive the FEMA reimbursement money and for all the support we have received from Congressman Chris Smith,” says John T. Gribbin, President and CEO, CentraState Healthcare System. “This funding will help us recoup a substantial amount that we have spent to keep people safe—on personal protective equipment, ventilators, employee overtime, temporary workers, testing supplies and many other expenses unique to this pandemic.” The federal funding comes from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which received supplemental funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 which Smith supported and spoke in favor of during the debate on the bill last year. The grant represents 75 percent of reported costs incurred from the emergency measures CentraState executed from Jan. 21, 2020 through Sept. 14, 2020. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public, requiring emergency response and protective measures throughout the State of New Jersey. CentraState provided patient monitoring systems, Vapotherm2 units, fluid removal machines, ventilators, infusion pumps, hypothermia management equipment, and filtration systems, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and disinfectant supplies. The hospital also provided electrical services to expand morgue capacity to a refrigeration truck, expanded its ventilation exhaust system, and medical gas certification of outlets and alarms for expanded facility of the Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit. It also paid for additional contracted staff to support the high demand and increased Covid-19 population and corresponding support emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. At the height of COVID, CentraState reported handling a peak number of 138 cases. The hospital and its outpatient and senior facilities and primary and specialty care offices used enhanced infection control and cleaning protocols, such as the Clorox Optimum UV® System and mandatory screenings to ensure safety. Acrylic glass and other physical distancing barriers were installed throughout the facilities, along with signage to remind all who enter to wear masks, wash their hands routinely and maintain a safe distance from others. The federal grant was based on costs for CentraState's medical equipment, material, rented equipment, and contract services used in response to FEMA’s COVID-19 declared emergency. The bulk of the funds will pay for $914,008 in material and $400,390 in equipment CentraState rented to address the pandemic. CentraState’s costs of $1,507,046 will be offset by the federal cost share of $1,130,284. ### |