Pinal County will accept $3,387,435 from the federal government to hire a vaccine equity employee and distribute COVID-19 vaccines to underserved communities, the public health services board of directors decided recently.
The move reverses its September decision to not take the funds.
The board voted 3-2 on Nov. 3 to receive the funds with an amendment offered by Kevin Cavanaugh, District 1, that the public health department or designees shall not assist the U.S. government in the implementation or enforcement of federal orders related to quarantine and isolation. Also, if Pinal County learns of any such mandate, the health department will immediately notify the clerk of the board who will schedule a special session to discuss action.
