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Erie County COVID-19 Response Fund Provides Face Shields to Erie County Public School Teachers, Administrators, Staff

Posted on June 4th, 2020 at 3:18 PM

The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) has authorized the purchase and supply of 5,530 face shields for employees of the 13 public school districts, of Erie County.

"Thanks to the ECGRA Board for being proactive for the safety and security of our students and teachers in Erie County," said State Senator Dan Laughlin.  "Getting schools prepared to reopen will be a daunting task.  ECGRA's investment in over 5,000 face shields will give them one less thing to worry about."

"On behalf of the parents and teachers across northwest Pennsylvania, I am extremely happy to see our community come together to protect both young and old from the spread of COVID-19," said State Representative Ryan Bizzaro.  "Our children need a safe and secure opportunity to learn and grow, and this effort by ECGRA to supply face shields for school employees in our region will make a noticeable impact on our battle against the pandemic."

"As 2020-21 school year reopening plans are drafted, the teachers, administrators, and staff in schools across Erie County will be equipped with face shields to help reduce the spread of COVID-19," said Perry Wood, Executive Director, ECGRA.  "This provides equal access to PPE equipment across Erie County and allows administrators to focus on planning to help students return to school and succeed."

The Erie County COVID-19 Human Relief Fund was created by ECGRA and Erie County Council to support those in need throughout Erie County.  The Human Relief Fund is part of the Erie County COVID-19 Response Fund, established by ECGRA to provide flexible and patient loans to non-profits, and small businesses.  A total of $673,434 has been awarded since the launch of the Erie County COVID-19 Response Fund on March 19.

 

An impact investing organization, ECGRA's mission is to empower the nonprofit sector, municipal governments, and economic development agencies to revitalize Erie County.  ECGRA is endowed with local share gaming revenue from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via the Horse Race Gaming Act.  Local share gaming revenue is an assessment of the licensed gambling industry in Pennsylvania.