Gov. Chris Sununu announced Tuesday the allocation of additional CARES Act funds to help New Hampshire's children, veterans, and residents suffering from mental health and substance abuse amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Using funds from the federal CARES Act, $5 million will go towards youth-focused programs, $6 million towards SUD/mental health programs, and $7 million for Veteran's assistance, Sununu said.
"No area has been left untouched by COVID-19, and these funds ensure we remain proactive in providing services," Sununu said.
Of the $5 million for youth-focused programs, $2 million will be used to benefit New Hampshire's youth for things like personal protective equipment in summer fitness programs, training for teachers on remote learning strategies, and mental health resources for schools.
One-million dollars will support the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce as kids spend more time online during the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor said $2 million will go towards community organizations like boys and girls clubs and the Police Athletic League, which provide services for kids while parents are at work.
The $7 million allocated to help Veterans in the Granite State will assist the homeless in finding housing, help Veterans Service Programs provide direct services like financial assistance, and provide mental health support.
Six-million dollars will ensure that Granite Staters suffering from mental health and substance abuse continue to have access to critical programs, Sununu said.
In addition, the governor announced that the Long Term Care Stabilization program, which was set to end on June 31, has been extended to July 31. The program provides a $300 weekly stipend to frontline workers.
More on the Coronavirus in New Hampshire
As of Tuesday, 343 people have died from the new coronavirus in New Hampshire, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The number of those infected with the virus had increased to 5,571.
Despite improving numbers, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said COVID-19 is still around and residents remain at risk. He reiterated the need for social distancing, hand washing and using cloth face masks.
Last week, Sununu released new guidance for the last round of business reopenings in New Hampshire which include amusement parks, movie theaters, performing arts venues, arts and music education and adult day care.
Beginning June 29, those sectors will be allowed to resume operations under specific guidelines provided by the Governor's Economic Reopening Taskforce.
The state's stay-at-home advisory expired June 15, allowing a number of other businesses to open or expand under strengthened guidance and capacity limitations. Businesses now allowed to operate include gyms, bowling alleys, tourist train, racetracks, charitable gaming facilities, museums and libraries.
Under a new "safer at home" advisory, people are still encouraged to practice social distancing and wear masks in public.
