Health and Social Well-Being Funds Approved for Municipalities

In an emergency, we call 9-1-1. When we need assistance in caring for an elderly or disabled family member, the “Ama de Llaves” – or home helpers – program provides invaluable services to our loved ones.

Did you know that many of these important services are provided by our municipalities?

Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities have long provided services to their residents in the areas of health, social welfare, and public safety. But these services are not free. They must be paid for with public funds.

Understanding the fiscal challenges that some municipal governments are facing, the Financial Oversight and Management Board worked with the municipalities on the distribution of $24 million to support these two critical services municipalities provide: $9 million to support municipalities’ responses to medical emergencies and $15 million for the “Ama de Llaves” program, which provides care for elderly (age 65 and older) and disabled residents.

The $24 million allocation is part of the Puerto Rico Government’s fiscal year 2025 budget. In total, the Puerto Rico Government supports the island’s municipalities with almost $350 million this fiscal year. Of that $350 million, $89 million was added specifically to support targeted programs directly impacting the most critical programs and municipalities most in need of additional funding.

In addition to the $15 million for the “Ama de Llaves” program and the $9 million for the Medical Emergency Response program, $30 million was allocated to municipalities with the most need to support essential services. The remaining $35 million will be allocated to municipalities as part of the central government’s efforts to improve collaboration on joint initiatives that impact the economy of Puerto Rico.

In the case of medical emergency responses, the municipalities face challenges related to proper staffing and equipment, effectiveness in response times, and data collection. To help address these needs, the Oversight Board worked with the Office of Management and Budget, the Federation of Mayors, and the Association of Mayors to gather data.

A survey on emergency medical services was conducted among member mayors and based on the responses received, the Oversight Board and the Office of Management and Budget identified 38 qualifying municipalities to receive additional funds. Population density (how many people live in a square mile in their borders), fiscal capacity and the 9-1-1 services each municipality offers, were all considered in the analysis.

For this survey, municipal governments were asked several questions to determine their eligibility and need: 

• Is the municipality integrated into the 9-1-1 system?
• How many hours and days of the week is the municipal staff are available to respond to medical emergencies? What are their respective positions and average yearly salary?
• What percentage of residents do not have access to this service?
• How many ambulances are available?
• How many 9-1-1 calls does the municipality receive per week?

The 38 municipalities that completed the survey and qualified include Arroyo, Cabo Rojo, and Fajardo, and as a result, each qualified for the funding, which varies in amount from $79,413 (Vieques) to $347,070 (Toa Alta).  

The Oversight Board encourages the 12 municipalities that have not yet completed the survey, including Aguadilla, Humacao, and Naguabo, to do so, as they may also qualify for this funding.