April 6, 2020

By Marshanna Smith

Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. commends the members of the County Legislature for approving today an additional $4,000,000 for the Runions Act, his emergency funding proposal to combat the toll of COVID-19 on our community.

The funding package provides $2,000,000 to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing kits. It will be allocated as follows:

• Truman Medical Centers (TMC) or Jackson County Health Department – $1,000,000
• Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and/or smaller municipalities within the County – $500,000
• Jackson County Department of Corrections – $300,000
• Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office – $200,000

The remaining $2,000,000 in funds will aid TMC and the County Health Department in their efforts to provide emergency housing for individuals who do not have a safe location to stay during their quarantining, including but not limited to, those who are housing insecure, homeless, living with high-risk persons, first responders or medical professionals.

“Today’s action would not be possible without our partnership with the Legislature, who ensured the County has the funds available to combat this serious public health emergency. Together, we will do everything we can to protect and save lives,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the medical professionals and first responders, who are absolutely essential to the health, safety and well-being of our community. I cannot thank them enough for their courage, commitment and sacrifice during this unprecedented time. I urge everyone to support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight by staying home.”

The County anticipates receiving federal reimbursement for some or all of these purposes, but today’s action was necessary to ensure the money is immediately available should supplies exist.