Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $406,775 in federal funding to the City of Laredo Health Department, in efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 throughout the City of Laredo and Webb County. This funding, awarded from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and allocated through the Texas Department of State Health Services, will be used to conduct surveillance of health services and equipment. This includes the monitoring and identification of cases, personal protective equipment, lab testing and reporting, as well as developing a community intervention implementation plan.

“Our healthcare workers are on the frontlines each day,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As they work to care for our communities and keep us healthy, it is critical that we care for them, by giving healthcare facilities the adequate funding and resources needed to combat COVID-19. This funding is an essential move in supporting the City of Laredo Health Department in addressing this pandemic and giving the best possible care for the people of Laredo and Webb County.”

As a senior Appropriator, I will continue fighting for the people of South Texas to make sure that our district healthcare facilities and workers receives the necessary funding and support to continue working on the frontlines of this public health emergency. I would like to thank Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Director of Health, for his on-going commitment to protecting our community, during this time of crisis.

Dr. Hector Gonzalez said, “Through Congressman Cuellar’s continued support, we have received vital funding for our response to this Public Health Emergency and the eminent threat of novel coronavirus – COVID19 in our community. Now more than ever, facilitating the laboratory capacity on the border, especially in Laredo, is critical to our efforts in Public Health.”

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $36.9 million of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding for Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) then allocated $406,775 in funding to the City of Laredo Health Department.

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