Early End to Federal COVID Grants Creates Gaps in NH Public Health and Social Services

CONCORD — The abrupt termination of more than $81 million in federal pandemic-related grants has created unexpected service gaps in New Hampshire’s public health and social service infrastructure, according to a new report from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. The NHFPI report, released this week, details how funding from multiple federal COVID-19 relief programs — originally set to continue through 2026 — was suddenly ended earlier this year, leaving state agencies and community partners scrambling to fill in the gaps. The money had supported a wide range of initiatives, including immunizations, disease surveillance, health equity efforts, and mental health programs. “The early end to these grants removed critical resources that were already allocated or being used to sustain public health infrastructure developed during the pandemic,” the NHFPI stated.