State unveils assistance effort
COLUMBUS – In the continuing battle to weaken COVID-19’S spread, the state of Ohio is offering $28 million in federal CARES (Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act dollars to reimburse facilities serving older Ohioans that invest in air quality and air flow improvements during the pandemic, the state announced.
“This program will improve the indoor air quality and reduce potential infection due to COVID-19 at nursing homes, assisted living centers, and adult day centers,” Gov. Mike Dewine said in a Nov. 25 news release. “This program is critical as we continue to protect vulnerable Ohioans from catching COVID19.”
Dewine asked the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to administer the program because of its expertise administering millions of dollars a year in grants that help employers improve workplace safety.
“We’re pleased Governor Dewine has given us the opportunity to get these critical federal funds to employers who take care of older Ohioans,” said BWC Interim Administrator/ CEO John Logue. “We’re here to assist the state’s COVID-19 fight in any way we can.”
The COVID-19 Indoor Air Quality Assistance Program will reimburse nursing homes, assisted living centers, and adult day centers that invested in air quality improvements on or after March 1, 2020, through Dec. 30 this year.
Eligible entities will receive up to $15,000 to inspect and assess their air quality needs and to address those needs through portable air filtration systems, new filtration systems, maintenance on current systems, and other interventions.
A priority will be placed on equipment where repair or replacement has been deferred.
Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel J. Mcelroy praised the program, calling it a welcomed tool in the battle to protect Ohio’s most vulnerable population against the novel coronavirus.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on all Ohioans, but perhaps on no one more than our older citizens,” Mcelroy said in the news release. “We are so grateful for this funding, and I know our nursing homes, assisted living centers, and adult day centers will appreciate this relief, too.”