House Bill 214 Summary

• Establishes the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Elimination Program as a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to improve vaccination rates among historically marginalized populations in North Carolina.

• Awards grants up to $10,000 each to minority businesses including hair salons, barber shops, faith-based organizations, community centers, schools, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers to conduct vaccination events, public communications, health initiatives, and social media campaigns.

• Limits grant recipients to using no more than 5% of award funds for administrative costs, with all activities subject to DHHS advance approval.

• Requires grant recipients to submit reports by November 1, 2022, detailing fund usage and number of individuals served; requires DHHS to submit comprehensive report to legislature by December 1, 2022.

• Appropriates $2,000,000 in nonrecurring General Fund monies for fiscal year 2021-2022 to establish and operate the program, effective July 1, 2021.