Friends:
Along with members of the HFAM Executive Committee and our extended team at DLA Piper, we had the opportunity Monday afternoon to brief members of Governor Hogan’s senior leadership team and cabinet members, on our current fight against COVID-19, and to urgently ask for additional financial resources.
Yesterday on Tuesday afternoon Governor Hogan announced additional resources for Maryland skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers and hospitals, via a press release and this video while he is working at home as he fights COVID-19. CLICK HERE for the video. Specifically for our sector, $25 million for nursing homes to help expand the availability of COVID-19 testing, treatments, and vaccines, and to help with staffing.
Every dollar and resource helps, and this will make a difference. Yesterday afternoon our sector could say we had $25 million more to support quality care in our sector and to provide quality care to Marylanders in need than we did on Monday. We are appreciative of these additional rescoures, are advocating that they be released ASAP via supplemental payments, and we continue to actively and positively work with members of Governor Hogan’s senior team as the FY23 budget is finalized for introduction. And of course, as always, we continue to update and work with leaders and members of the Maryland General Assembly.
We are at a critical point in our fight against COVID-19. I know all of our frontline healthcare heroes are tired, and they are frustrated for any number of reasons. Trust me, we all are. At the moment it is important to remember what is in our control, and what is not. Dating back to the start of this pandemic we’ve all been driven by a commitment to quality care and our passion for caring for Marylanders in need. The number one thing in our control right now is to get vaccines and boosters into the arms of residents, patients, and employees in our settings as fast as we possibly can. Together we must double and triple our efforts on this front in the coming days.
Please remember, each of you and your teams are heroes and you are not alone. We are dedicated to doing anything we can to support you.
Monoclonal Antibody EUA:
· Regeneron can be used for post-exposure prophylaxis for unvaccinated persons at high risk and for those who have been vaccinated but not expected to have mounted an adequate immune response, even with the vaccine.
· Regeneron may be administered subcutaneously when IV infusion is not available in a timely manner.
· Regeneron can be ordered directly through the supplier – AmerisourceBergen.
As Always:
· Focus on what is in your control and not what is out of your control.
· Let’s get those boosters and the flu vaccine in the arms of people.
· Overcommunicate – with residents, patients, families, staff, and government partners.
· Adapt and innovate.
· Rely on your partnerships.
· Speak up when you need help.
· Double efforts on infectious disease protocols, training, and operations.
· Take and document your action; keep a timeline.
Be well,
