Local health districts get federal funding for COVID-19 response.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday the state has approved the distribution of a portion of $20 million in federal funding for 21 local health districts and departments, including the two districts that serve 20 municipalities in southeastern Connecticut.

Allocated as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Cooperative Agreement, the funds are to be used to enhance laboratory detection of COVID-19, contact tracing, response, informatics, and other workforce capacity; strengthen laboratory testing volume and capacity; coordinate and engage with partners to respond to and prevent COVID-19; prevent and minimize transmission of the disease; and conduct health promotion activities.

The state Department of Public Health will distribute the funds over the course of three years, a period that started this past May 19 and extends to Nov. 17, 2022. All 65 local health districts and departments in the state will receive a portion of the $20 million based on their population and poverty levels.

Among the first 21 districts approved for funding, New London-based Ledge Light Health District, which serves nine municipalities in southern New London County, will receive a total of $861,707, including $344,683 the first year, while Uncas Health District, based in Norwich and serving 11 towns in northern New London County, will receive $559,611, including $223,845 the first year.

“Ensuring the availability of these resources at the local level is critical to our response efforts,” Lamont said in a statement. “We know that our municipalities, health districts, and local service organizations know their communities best. I’m pleased we’ve been able to engage them in the community resource coordinator program and allocate funding to support them in combating COVID-19.

“Everyone in Connecticut should know that it’s safe to get tested — and if you need to stay home, we can support you, and our contact tracers are an important part of getting you what you need,” he said.