April 2022 Newsletter
WELCOME TO THE HEALTHCARE COALITION OF MAINE NEWSLETTER
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Healthcare Coalition of Maine (HCCME) is to develop and sustain a powerful coalition of health care organizations, first responders, and other key partners united to save lives and improve health outcomes during disasters through preparedness, planning, response, and recovery efforts.
Upcoming coalition events
HCCME will host the next Joint Chapter Meeting on May 12th from 9:00-10:30am via Zoom.
Register HERE to join us!
Thank you for joining us March 15th & 16th for the fireworks fiasco!
We would like to thank the 108 organizations that participated (at varying levels) in the fireworks fiasco exercise. the two day exercise was a huge success in completing several of the coalition’s annual deliverables, as well as a way to determine our members who needed assistance in utilizing communication systems.
thank you to all who participated!
surplus of medical supplies now available to any and all maine healthcare providers through Maine CDC
Maine CDC currently has an overabundance of medical supplies stored in the warehouse that they are looking to get into the hands of facilities to utilize. The following items are available, at no cost, to any and all healthcare providers in Maine:
Coveralls with hoods- Sizes medium to XXL
Gloves- All sizes
Face Shields- Adult size
Gowns- Level three non-surgical gowns ranging from size large up to 2XL. Click HERE for the product URL along with the complete product description.
All supplies are available in either pallets or smaller quantities, with deliveries directly to facilities an option.
If your facility is interested in receiving some of the surplus, follow your usual bulk resource request process. The Maine CDC will then get the request through their inventory system and can process your request appropriately.
If you have any questions about the products available, please contact John.Hernandez@maine.gov (tel: (207) 287-5381 and email: ) directly, rather than the Coalition.
ASPR Highlights 20 Years of the Hospital Preparedness Program
This year marks the 20th anniversary of HPP! Over the last 20 years, we’ve worked with our partners to improve patient outcomes during emergencies, speed health care system recovery, and enhance health care systems resilience to be prepared to face future challenges.
Throughout 2022, ASPR will be spotlighting HPP's accomplishments on social media, during our monthly webinars, and in the weekly Bulletin, as part of our #20YearsOfHPP Campaign. Join ASPR by engaging with us on social media and using #20YearsOfHPP in your posts.
Lifelight Program
Did you know that Central Maine Power has a program called the Lifelight Program aimed to assist those with medical device needs before and during planned or sudden power outages?
According to CMP - "If you or someone in your home requires medical equipment described as “life-sustaining equipment,” you may qualify for our Lifelight Program. Some examples of life-sustaining equipment are oxygen machines and electric intravenous pumps."
Lifelight will notify members of planned interruptions of service for scheduled maintenance or repairs and contact them during extended unplanned outages with information to assist. For more information, see the Lifelight Service Fact Sheet or contact CMP at 800.750.4000, or 800.445.5631 for the hearing impaired, during regular business hours. To apply for this service, print and fill out this form and contact your healthcare provider to approve your need for medical equipment.
Please share this information regarding the Lifelight Program with anyone who might benefit and encourage eligible residents to sign up for this program.
Organization agreements
HCCME would like to thank the latest organizations to submit new Organization Agreement Forms!
• High View Manor
• Mount Joseph at Waterville
• Norway Center for Health and Rehabilitation
• Portland Center for Assisted Living
• Redington-Fairview General Hospital
• Seaside Healthcare
As a reminder, all organizations involved with the coalition are encouraged to complete the new organization agreement form as any older version of a membership agreement submitted prior to November 2021 is no longer valid.
We appreciate our membership taking a few moments in their day to move your organization along to the next step in the process to becoming an “active member”.
Partner Trainings and Webinars
All Clear Emergency Management Group
Free upcoming webinars:
ASPR TRACIE
FEMA
Climate Change Resilience and Healthcare Considerations Webinar
Climate change continues to negatively impact national security, environmental stability, and human health conditions. Climate models predict an increase in adverse health effects over the next century that will intensify existing and emerging health threats. Presenters from the federal and private sectors will discuss ASPR TRACIE’s newly released Climate Change Resilience and Healthcare System Considerations document and accompanying Topic Collection; current and future U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) and Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) efforts and priorities as they pertain to climate change; and steps healthcare systems can take to address related challenges. This webinar will be held on April 18, from 2:30-3:30 ET. Register today!
FEMA Preparedness Toolkit, Continuous Improvement Technical Assistance Program(CIP/CITAP)- Webinar Series
Continuous Improvement Walkthrough- April 1st @ 12:00-1:00 PM ET
Rapid Improvement Webinar- April 13th @ 1:00-4:00 PM ET
Continuous Improvement Walkthrough- May 1st @ 12:00-1:00 PM ET
Achieving Results with Open-Text Survey Data- May 11th @ 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Continuous Improvement Walkthrough- June 1st @ 12:00-1:00 PM ET
Improvement Action Tracking- June 29th @ 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Registration HERE for all webinars in series.
CDC
Weekly National COVID-19 Call Series
CDC hosts a weekly series of national calls with state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) partners to deliver the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak and U.S. preparedness efforts. Occurs every Monday from 2:00-2:45 PM ET. Connection Information.
Partner Resources
ASPR Releases Fact Sheet on COVID-19 Test to Treat Initiative
ASPR has released a fact sheet on a new nationwide Test to Treat initiative that will give individuals a new way to rapidly access free lifesaving treatment for COVID-19. With this program, people will be able to get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – receive a prescription from a health care provider, and have their prescription filled all in one location. These “One-Stop Test to Treat” locations will be available nationwide, including at pharmacy-based clinics, federally qualified community health centers (FQHCs), and long-term care facilities. Individuals will also continue to be able to be tested and treated by their own health care providers who can appropriately prescribe these oral antiviral drugs at locations where they are being distributed. Visit the ASPR website for more information on the COVID-19 Test to Treat initiative.
Maine Disaster Behavior Health Program Releases Newsletter- 2022 Spring Edition
Healthcare Cybersecurity Select Lessons Learned (TA Response)
This ASPR TRACIE TA response includes information on high-profile healthcare cyberattacks over the past five years in the U.S., to include resources and details on the associated impacts and lessons learned for clinical care delivery.
Additional Free, At-Home COVID-19 Tests Now Available
The White House recently announced that U.S. households are now able to order their second set of four, free at-home COVID-19 tests via the COVID tests.gov website or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). No ID, credit card, or health insurance information is required. Tests usually ship within seven to 12 days of ordering. CDC encourages preparedness directors to broadly share this information with their community- and faith-based organizations and other partners. For questions related to the at-home COVID-19 tests, review the Frequently Asked Questions.
CDC Releases Information on New Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) ACT COVID-19 Laboratory Reporting Requirements
On April 4, new COVID-19 laboratory data reporting requirements under the CARES Act will go into effect. A summary of these requirements can be accessed on the COVID-19 Data and Reporting Webpage. This guidance outlines federal HHS laboratory reporting requirements under Section 18115 of the CARES Act. State, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) jurisdictions may have additional laboratory reporting requirements applicable to testing entities subject to their jurisdictions. This updated guidance outlines requirements for data submission to HHS that are authorized under this law.
CDC Announces Launch of Clean Air in Buildings Challenge
As part of the White House National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with CDC, the Department of Energy, and other federal agencies, recently launched the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge. The goal of this effort is to improve ventilation and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in buildings. The EPA has developed four recommendations for leaders and building owners and operators to assess their indoor air quality and make ventilation and air filtration improvements to help keep occupants safe.
Three POSITIONS AVAILABLE!
All Clear Emergency Management Group is searching for TWO detail oriented, highly skilled and motivated Healthcare Coalition Coordinators to join our growing team! These positions will provide coverage to the Northern and Southern Chapters by planning, implementing, and evaluating activities associated with the Coalition. Additionally, this position will recruit and maintain a diverse coalition membership with hospital, public health, emergency management, emergency medical services and other healthcare partners.
For more information, see the full job description located here. Cover letters and resumes should be submitted by email to jobs_HCCME@AllClearEMG.com.
We also continue to search for a detail oriented, highly skilled and motivated Contract Clinical Advisor to join our team! This position will serve the HCCME, by providing clinical leadership and serving as a liaison between the Coalition and medical directors/medical leadership at health care facilities, supporting entities (e.g., blood banks), and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies.
For more information, see the full job description located here. Cover letters and resumes should be submitted by email to jobs+clinical@AllClearEMG.com.
CONTACT US
Email your coalition coordinators at HCCME@AllClearEMG.com to assist you with any of your preparedness needs.
As a reminder, we recommend that you bookmark our website MaineHCCs.com and check in often as we are continually updating the calendar with meetings, trainings, and exercises!