For programmatic or technical questions:
Karen Leonard
609.292.6962
karen.leonard@doh.nj.gov

For grants management or budget questions:
Elizabeth Adeniyi
609.376.0938
elizabeth.adeniyi@doh.nj.gov

The New Jersey Department of Health will provide grants to address COVID-19 health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations in New Jersey, including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities.

Program strategies include:

• Expand existing and/or develop new mitigation and prevention resources and services to reduce COVID-19 related disparities
• Build, leverage, and expand infrastructure support for COVID-19 prevention and control
• Mobilize partners and collaborators to advance health equity and address social determinants of health as they relate to COVID-19 health disparities

The current application cycle will award funding for:

• Activity: The Library Project - to support community empowerment through the establishment of educational hubs that include access to physical and digital books as well as in-person education and social support resources
• Strategy: 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
• Goal: Increase access to testing, education, and vaccination for vulnerable populations
• Scope of Work: Support individuals and families from local communities that are most affected by the racial and ethnic disparities that exist, enhance programming and extend services to address food insecurity, build in-house social service supports that would address housing insecurity, provide tools to connect with appropriate mental health and wellness programs, and conduct live or virtual sessions to improve individual's overall health from a holistic approach. Build capacity for emergency preparedness and response for the community.

Eligible applicants are library systems located regionally throughout New Jersey.

Award ceiling: $137,000
Project period: 6 months (December 1, 2022 - May 31, 2023)
Estimated number of awards: 2
Estimated total program funding: $274,000

A link to the application instructions is available on the Office of Population Health section of the program website.

Full applications must be submitted through the online grant portal, SAGE (System for Administering Grants Electronically).