COVID-19 Response Donation Use

Donations accepted by HRI, on behalf of the State of New York, for the COVID-19 response were used for direct expenses associated with response activities, including:

• Purchase of commodities for distribution to essential workers and public health officials responding to the pandemic
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Laboratory testing supplies and equipment
• Scientific research related to COVID-19

Donations were also used to provide financial assistance to COVID-19 first responders and essential workers for work-related expenses and costs through the Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund program coordinated by the New York State Office of Child and Family Services. The program is designed to cover qualifying expenses (such as childcare, transportation, and lodging) that first responders, health care workers and many multi-industry essential workers incurred while employed in New York State in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding comes from private donations from individuals, charitable trusts and businesses made during the COVID-19 crisis.