Number
211426
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DIMITRIJEVIC
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Health Department to distribute free COVID-19 at-home tests and gift cards for individuals who have received COVID-19 vaccination booster shots.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Health Department to develop and implement a program using allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to distribute 230,000 free at-home COVID-19 tests, the equivalent of one per household in the city of Milwaukee, through the City’s 14 library branch locations and other partners. The resolution further directs the Health Department to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to distribute 1,000 $100 gift cards to any Milwaukee residents who receive first COVID-19 vaccination shots or COVID-19 booster shots from the Health Department.
Body
Whereas, The arrival of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is likely to place considerable strain on our healthcare system; and
Whereas, Aggressive testing, in addition to vaccination, boosters and social distancing, has been shown to impede the spread of the disease; and
Whereas, The United States has lagged behind other countries when it comes to the availability of rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests; and
Whereas, On December 21, 2021, Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Library system collaborated with the Baltimore City Health Department to distribute over 5,000 at-home tests from the Library’s 23 branch locations; and
Whereas, Even limiting the number of tests to 2 per person, the Baltimore libraries ran out of tests within minutes, demonstrating the profound demand for at-home tests; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Public Library’s 14 branch locations are well-distributed around the city, making them ideal sites for rapid COVID-19 test distribution; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council directs the Health Department to use allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement a program to distribute 230,000 free at-home COVID-19 tests through the City’s 14 library branch locations or other partner organizations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Health Department shall use allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide 1,000 $100 gift cards to any Milwaukee residents who receive, from the Health Department, first COVID-19 vaccination shots or COVID-19 booster shots after passage of this resolution; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Health Department and the Public Library shall investigate the viability of continuing the COVID-19 at-home test distribution program on a regular basis.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 177159-2
Christopher Hillard
1/12/2022