KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. on Monday proposed $10 million in emergency funding for health care providers and first responders in an effort to offset the cost of COVID-19.
White said the proposed funding for Truman Medical Centers, the Jackson County Health Department, first responders and in-home food delivery agencies would help those providers to purchase equipment, tests and additional resources as they work to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Runions Act — named after Missouri Rep. Joe Runions, who was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 — would allocate $3 million to Truman Medical Centers; $2 million to temporary sheltering and increased hospital capacity; and $1.5 million each to food delivery services and first responders and law enforcement.
Funding for first responders and law enforcement would be matched by local municipalities, according to a news release from White’s office.
White’s proposal also would provide $1 million each to the Jackson County Health Department and community health providers.
The Jackson County Legislature must approve the emergency funding. White said he has requested the legislature to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the proposal “as soon as possible.”
