BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today announced that the Partnership for Effective Emergency Response (PEER) in Boston will receive $2.4 million in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

PEER is part of Boston University’s School of Public Health. The school will use the funding for medical response exercise planning and implementation throughout the region.

Both Kerry and Kennedy wrote to HHS over the summer urging it to make these funds available.

“From the shores of Cape Cod to the hills of the Berkshires, every community in Massachusetts should be able to count on effective communication to help in emergency response situations,” said Senator Kerry. “This critical funding will permit PEER to improve preparedness throughout our state so that lives are saved in the event of an emergency.”

"It's essential that we do more to strengthen our health emergency response centers to deal with sudden outbreaks of disease or other health crises," said Senator Kennedy. "These federal funds will enable BU's PEER program to continue its indispensable planning to help our communities to be as well-prepared as possible for any future emergencies in any part of our Commonwealth."

The partnership represents 62 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.