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Feds: Health law will boost fight against disease
Federal health officials touted grants under the healthcare law that will support disease-prevention efforts nationwide.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the funding will benefit health departments in all 50 states and several major cities, including the District of Columbia.
"Today’s awards support the critical work of public health departments to prevent, track and respond to new and emerging infectious diseases," Sebelius said in a statement Thursday.
Other cities receiving funds are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Houston. The total amount awarded Thursday was $48.8 million.
About $9 million will help to fight infections contracted as patients receive medical care — a perpetual challenge for every healthcare system.
Opinion remains divided on the Affordable Care Act, which the Obama administration continues to tout. The Supreme Court upheld most of the law on June 28.
Read more about the disease-prevention effort from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
