NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

COUNTY PRISON: The Director of Corrections reports that currently there are no cases of COVID-19 among residents at Northampton County Prison (NCP). Since the beginning of the pandemic, 176 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. All have finished their quarantine periods or are no longer at NCP. Since March 2020, NCP has conducted 2,569 tests for COVID-19 on inmates. All new inmates coming into the facility receive a test before they are transferred to General Population; residents are tested on a random basis.

Fifty-three NCP corrections officers have tested positive for the virus since the start of the pandemic. Fifty-one have finished their quarantine periods and returned to work; two are out on quarantine.

There are currently 538 inmates in residence at NCP. Thirty-one non-violent offenders have been granted extended furloughs.

LEHIGH VALLEY

BOSCOLA’S PLAN: Scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment can feel a bit like trying to obtain a coveted gift that is out of stock on every online retailer’s website. Register here, sign-up there, wait for an email, stalk social media accounts. But what if you don’t have access to a computer or just aren’t as tech-savvy as some?

Recognizing a need for the elderly population to have assistance connecting with a vaccine appointment, Senator Lisa Boscola (D) and her team put together a plan.

“We all know how deadly the COVID-19 virus has been to seniors. They are our most vulnerable community members,” Senator Boscola said. “I also recognize that there have been challenges to getting the vaccine rolled out and wanted to do something personal to help get these individuals protected.”

In the past month, her staff in Harrisburg and Bethlehem have made over 3,000 calls to individuals 70 years and older. Many reported already receiving the vaccine. Individuals, like Valletta, who need an appointment are scheduled through St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Senator Boscola agrees that current vaccine availability is limited and frustrating for many. “We need to focus on getting people most in danger of a bad outcome vaccinated as quickly as possible,” she says. “Our goal is to make sure our residents are informed, registered, scheduled and vaccinated.”

coronor’s report: Between Jan. 1 and March 22, the Northampton County Coroner recorded 143 COVID-19 related deaths in Northampton County (118 residents/25 non-residents). As of March 14, the Lehigh County Coroner reported 57 deaths of Northampton County residents. Between the two counties, 175 deaths of Northampton County residents from COVID-19 have been reported this year.

In 2020, the Northampton County Coroner reported 403 COVID-19 related deaths (359 residents and 44 non-residents). The Lehigh County Coroner reported 118 deaths in 2020 for a total of 477 COVID-19-related deaths for Northampton County residents.

PENNSYLVANIA

HEALTH CENTER FUNDING: Forty-two community health centers in Pennsylvania will receive $154,320,875 in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable populations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced. The funding will be awarded beginning in April by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Health centers will be able to use the funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers’ operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units. This investment will help increase access to vaccinations among hard-hit populations, as well as confidence in the vaccine by empowering local, trusted health professionals in their efforts to expand vaccinations.