COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant

Wyoming was awarded the COVID-19 health disparities grant on June 1, 2021 and the work plan was approved October 1, 2021. This office is working diligently to implement the approved work plan.

Grant Purpose and Intended Outcomes

The purpose of this new funding initiative is to address COVID-19 related health disparities and advance health equity by expanding state, local, US territorial, and freely associated state health department capacity and services.

1. Reduce COVID-19-related health disparities
2. Improve and increase testing and contact tracing among populations at higher risk and that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities, 
3. Improve state, local, US territorial and freely associated state health department capacity and services to prevent and control COVID-19 infection (or transmission) among populations at higher risk and that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) website to learn more about the grant and the recipients.

Funding Available

How to Apply for Funding

Through the federal COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant, the Wyoming Department of Health, with Align’s assistance, is offering up to 8.17 million in reimbursable grants to help eligible entities to build up the health care infrastructure and address historical inequities in Wyoming communities. Learn more and apply at  https://thealignteam.force.com/fundingprograms/s/

There are seven funding opportunities available. All programs will be open for applications by Sept. 15, 2022.

1. Enhanced Access to Testing, Vaccination, and Mitigation in Shelter Settings Program
2. Improving Infrastructure and Built Environments for COVID-19 Prevention and Mitigation Program
3. Hospital and Healthcare Systems Preparedness and Infrastructure Program
4. Provider Recruitment and Retention in Select High-Need Counties Program
5. Addressing Basic Needs and Social Determinants of Health Program

Overarching Grant Strategies

1. Expand existing and/or develop new mitigation and prevention resources and services to reduce COVID-19 related disparities among populations at higher risk and that are underserved.
2. Increase/improve data collection and reporting for populations experiencing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Build, leverage, and expand infrastructure support for COVID-19 prevention and control among populations that are at higher risk and underserved.
4. Mobilize partners and collaborators to advance health equity and address social determinants of health as they relate to COVID-19 health disparities among populations at higher risk and that are underserved.

Wyoming’s Approach

Wyoming’s work plan includes activities in all four strategies; however, most of the activities are housed within strategies three and four, emphasizing infrastructure, cross-sector partnerships, and addressing social and community needs. Wyoming’s approach focuses on the following:

1. Supporting or enhancing healthcare systems infrastructure
2. Improving language access
3. Addressing social and community needs related to COVID-19
4. Mobilizing and expanding partnerships and planning and future preparedness

Staff Contacts

Tammy McGuire
Project and Grant Compliance Specialist
tammy.mcguire1@wyo.gov
307-777-8946

We are hiring!

The Public Health Division is seeking enthusiastic, systems-minded individuals to join the team that will administer the Wyoming Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities. This initiative is dedicated to serving populations at higher risk and that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities, and improving infrastructure, partnerships, and social determinants of health. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.  

Community Health Initiatives Coordinator