Per Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), National survey shows dire shortages of PPE, hand sanitizer across the U.S.

Lack of N-95s, masks, face shields threaten health workers in facilities in every state, in every size facility

Only 12% have received supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile

March 27, 2020 – Nearly half (48%) of U.S. healthcare facilities surveyed are already out of, or almost out of respirators to use in caring for a patient with COVID-19, according to a national survey of infection prevention experts conducted March 23-25, 2020 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

The online survey asked APIC’s U.S.-based infection preventionist members to categorize their supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other items including hand sanitizer and cleaning products on a 5-point scale from having “plenty” to “none.” Of the 1,140 infection preventionists who completed the survey, 233 (20.46 %) reported their facilities have no respirators; an additional 317 (27.83%) say they are almost out of these critical devices used to protect healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Dr. Richard Stone, VA Executive in Charge: VA is here for Veterans during COVID-19

March 25 2020 - VA has always been here for Veterans — and we will continue to be here for you during the COVID-19 crisis. Whether you need a prescription, telemedicine or in-person care, you can rely on VA. Here is a recent message from Dr. Richard Stone, executive in charge of the Veterans Health Administration and a former U.S. Army combat physician.

Florida Blue extends grace period for payment of premiums

March 26, 2020 – Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, announced today it will implement an extended grace period through May 31, 2020 for customers unable to pay premiums as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis that would otherwise have been subject to termination of coverage.

The grace period applies to Affordable Care Act, Medicare Supplement, and other individual health plan members, as well as most of its employer group health plans. In addition, Florida Blue is working with its self-funded ERISA employers to assist them in meeting the needs of their employees.

CHI CARES FOR MONROE AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTIES WITH COVID-19 TESTING

March 26 2020 - Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) continues to serve on the front lines of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with drive through COVID-19 testing in both Marathon and south Miami-Dade. So far, the non-profit organization has screened more than 1,650 people and tested more than 420. Among the results, 19 have tested positive as of March 25, 2020. Patients with positive test results have received a call from the CHI care team informing them and educating them on next steps. In addition, patients have access to the online patient portal to enable real time access to their results. CHI tells those positive patients that the Department of Health (DOH) will also be contacting them as CHI shares all positive results with the DOH.

Memorial Healthcare employees creating their own DIY PPEs (And having fun while doing it)

March 26 2020 - A dedicated group of employees at Memorial Healthcare System has created a medical DIY crafting group to make face-shield masks for all front line employees taking care of patients throughout all Memorial Hospitals. While there have been reports of shortages for PPE throughout the country, Memorial leadership has been proactive in maintaining a steady flow of equipment for the front lines in their South Florida locations. Add the generosity of businesses and community groups, along with the talented group of medical DIY’ers, and Memorial’s front line and clinical teams remain well protected to face COVID-19 and take care of this community. In total, staff will have supplies to make 21,000 additional face-shields.

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The Florida Medical Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Florida Justice Reform Institute, others seek clarification on Executive Order No. 20-72, offer solutions for unintended consequences

March 26 2020 - The Florida Medical Association (FMA), along with the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA), Florida Justice Reform Institute (FJRI) and other health care providers and facilities today sent a letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requesting guidance on Executive Order No. 20-72, which suspends non-essential elective medical procedures.

Mother/Infant Skin-to-Skin Touch Boosts Baby's Brain Development and Function FAU Study Finds both Mother and Baby Physiology Respond to Kangaroo Care Method

March 25, 2020 - As the world prioritizes social distancing to stop or slow down the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), a new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University demonstrates that mother-infant touch and contact are essential for optimal neurodevelopmental regulation in early infancy. Kangaroo Care, a skin-to-skin, chest-to-chest method of caring for a baby, especially one who is premature, has been associated with promoting neurophysiological development.

EPILEPSY FLORIDA AVAILABLE TO HELP SOUTH FLORIDA CONSUMERS NAVIGATE ACA HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

March 25, 2020 - In light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Epilepsy Florida has announced its continued availability to help South Florida consumers navigate healthcare coverage options for Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) marketplace health insurance during the ongoing pandemic.

Letter for David Lawerence, Jr. Chair of The Children's Movement of Florida - Recommendations for Child Care and the COVID-19 Challenge

In my 78 years, I have never seen anything like the times in which we are living. Each of us is being tested. May each of us rise to the challenge before all of us.

Our work continues, even as we on The Children’s Movement staff work remotely. Video calls and conference calls are replacing our normal travel across the state. The needs of children and families remain our first focus.

Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Three New Deaths Related to COVID-19

1,147 positive cases in Florida Residents and 80 positive cases in non-Florida residents

March 23 2020 - To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily. Today, as of 6 p.m., there are 1,227 total** Florida cases. Data in released reports are provisional and subject to change. In this release, we are correcting the number of COVID-19 related deaths from information previously released on the COVID-19 dashboard.