Health & Human Services (HHS) has awarded states, territories and large cities about $332 million in Hospital Preparedness Program funds to help hospitals and health systems improve surge capacity and prepare for public health emergencies. The funds are distributed by recipients to health care coalitions and hospitals according to a plan approved by HHS. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded more than $584 million in preparedness funds to state and local public health departments. Funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program has declined nearly 30 percent over the past decade.

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