KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Jackson County Legislature approved an additional $4 million in funding for the Runions Act, which provides emergency operating money for essential county infrastructure amid the COVID-19 crisis.
After approving $4.5 million on March 30, the bulk of which went to Truman Medical Centers to purchase items like ventilators and personal protective equipment for staff, the legislature nearly doubled that investment Monday.
The new allocation calls for $2 million for Truman Medical Centers and the Jackson County Health Department to arrange for emergency funding for individuals who need to quarantine, but might not have a place to do it safely. That includes people who are housing insecure or homeless, as well first responders and medical professionals with family at home.
The other half of the new $4 million allocation is for additional personal protective equipment — including $1 million for Truman Medical Centers of the Jackson County Health Department, $500,000 for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office or small municipalities within the county, $300,000 for the Jackson County Department of Corrections and $200,000 for the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“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,” Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. said in a statement. “Together, we will do everything we can to protect and save lives.
“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.”
Jackson County expects to be reimbursed for some, or all, of the expenses from the federal government, but the action today allows the county to begin purchasing available equipment without waiting for supplies to dwindle further.
White initially asked for $10 million March 23 when he proposed the Runions Act.
Less than half of that original ask was approved last week, but most of his requests from the original proposal have now been met with this new round of funding.
