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PHOENIX — In a letter to President Trump, Governor Doug Ducey today requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government – a procedural step to pull down necessary federal assets and resources to assist Arizona’s COVID-19 response efforts.
Upon approval, the disaster declaration will provide access to expanded mental health care, supplement the efforts of tribal health care workers, provide grants to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies, make available legal assistance to low-income Arizonans, expand food assistance and other services to low-income households impacted by COVID-19 and more.
“Arizonans have shown great resilience while coming together to support one another during this health emergency,” said Governor Ducey. “This declaration will help families, individuals, businesses and tribal communities in our state weather this storm and bounce back afterward stronger than ever. I’m grateful for the partnership and collaboration we’ve had with administrative officials and hope to see this request approved in full to aid Arizona’s COVID-19 response.”
If approved, the declaration will provide assistance to the following programs in Arizona:
- Crisis Counseling Program;
- Disaster Case Management;
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance;
- Disaster Legal Services;
- Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program;
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program;
- And any other appropriate Stafford Act disaster assistance programs.
On March 11, 2020, Governor Ducey issued a declaration of emergency for the state of Arizona, which is required to receive a federal declaration. Governor Ducey earlier this week issued a “stay home, stay healthy, stay connected” Executive Order to further slow the spread of COVID-19 while encouraging social connectedness. For a full list of Arizona’s actions, click HERE.
Additionally, the Governor launched the Arizona Together initiative to support Arizonans during the COVID-19 outbreak, connecting individuals and businesses to resources, raising money for community organizations and providing information on volunteer opportunities. A website, ArizonaTogether.org, serves as the centralized location for Arizonans to find help or provide support.
View the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration request HERE.
View daily Arizona updates HERE.
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