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Health Emergency to a Health Crisis: What does that mean for you and me?
Catherine Bogdanski, B.S
Statewide Coalition Project Coordinator at LVCIL
Undoubtably everyone knows that in early May the Federal Government and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to their respective Public Health Emergency (PHE) declarations. This decision has been one that was proceeded by very significant steps and many learned lessons that strengthened our preparedness and put the country in a better place than any point during the pandemic.
Does that mean that COVID-19 is gone?
No – the PHE has ended but COVID remains a public health priority for the Federal Government and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the WHO. COVID is an established and ongoing issue and work to continue to protect Americans and the world did not end in May. The ending of the emergency declaration sets in motion a transition to a heath crisis. Much like other public health emergencies and outbreaks of the past that are still around today and constantly monitored, such as HIV/Aids and Ebola.
The CDC and the White House both make it very clear that vaccinations, treatments, and key investments created over the past two years will remain. Intergovernmental cooperation saw significant planning and guidance being issued to state level programs and leaders months in advance on unwinding from the PHE. Here is a brief overview of what the White House is keeping:
· Access to COVID-19 vaccines by transitioning to Health and Human Services (HHS) Bridge Access Program for COVID -19 Vaccines and Treatments.
· COVID – 19 tests provided for uninsured through the Increasing Community Access to Testing Program.
· Greater access to healthcare by extending certain flexibilities through 2024.
· Major Medicare telehealth flexibilities remain until December 2024
· Accessible information on local COVID – 19 risks and continued tracking of emerging variants and their impact.
· Project Next Gen which accelerates and streamline development of next generation of COVID- 19 vaccines and treatments.
· Continued investments in efforts to understand and address Long COVID and support Americans affected by it.
· Continued investments on improving indoor air quality that drives innovation and protects against respiratory illness.
The last three years also shined a light on the inequalities already present, from the differences in urban and rural resources to access barriers for persons with disabilities. As advocates, we must ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind as we take the lessons learned and transition to preparing for future emergencies and ongoing monitoring.
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