August 2021 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
September 15th: Supply Chain Integrity Workshop
Supply chain integrity is the ability to manufacture, distribute, store, and transport necessary equipment and supplies. It depends on multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, transportation service providers, health care organizations, and State Public Health. Consequently, assessing supply chain integrity requires engaging these stakeholders to understand sources, available quantities, transportation and distribution plans, and potential vulnerabilities for the key equipment and supply needs.
The HCCME needs your engagement in a Supply Chain Integrity Workshop being held virtually on September 15th (12-3PM), in order to most effectively prepare for any potential threats to Maine's medical supply chain.
Register to attend here.
September 24th: Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) De-escalation Training from 1:30-4:30PM. Click here for a full training description and here to register to attend.
September 28th: Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training from 9:30AM-12:30PM. Click here for a full training description and here to register to attend.
Maine CDC Changes daily reporting requirements in EMResource
Effective August 17th, 2021
Due to the significant increase in the number of COVID cases in the state, the Maine CDC has reimplemented daily polling for ICU and Ventilator capacities in EMResource. The daily poll will now include fields for total and available ICU beds, as well as total and available ventilators. The "alternative ventilators" field from previous daily capacity polls will NOT be included.
HCCME Year in review
July marked the one-year anniversary since HCCME transitioned to a one-state coalition, as well as the beginning of a new fiscal year (2021-2022). We are very proud of our accomplishments and the support we have been able to provide our members, especially throughout the pandemic, under the new structure. We would not have had such a successful year without the participation from our amazing membership, so THANK YOU!
Understanding Our Risk Is Foundational To Emergency Planning
A hazard vulnerability analysis is a systematic approach to assessing risks and is a cornerstone for emergency preparedness programs, both at the facility-level and coalition-level. There are many existing tools that facilities can use to conduct an HVA; choose the tool that best fits your facility’s needs.
In 2020 the Healthcare Coalition of Maine conducted its hazard vulnerability analysis at the state level, bringing all regions together. While this was an effective exercise and angle to review, the Coalition understands the importance of looking at hazards utilizing a more local approach, therefore, the HCCME plans to complete this year’s assessment at all three chapter meetings in November. HCCME will look for facilities and organizations to reference their internal HVAs to provide input toward local hazards and identify gaps at the local response level.
Supply Chain Integrity
The COVID-19 pandemic has been very eye-opening regarding product shortages and the challenges this created for health care facilities and other organizations. The health care industry’s performance is heavily dependent on having a clear network of companies working to design, produce, deliver, and manage medical products and services. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of health care spending goes to supply chain overspend, which is the second largest spending for health care systems and expected to rise over the next few years.
Some proactive steps health care organizations can take toward supply chain integrity are as followed:
1. Correct the problem of inaccurate data- The lack of standard data definitions in collecting supply information often leads to confusion and over purchasing of supplies. Consider developing a standard process for evaluating and purchasing new supplies. Some organizations use “preference cards” which are documented supply lists for each procedure. It is essential with supply chain integrity to ensure these cards are standard and consistent across each department.
2. Improve supply chain data to reduce costs- Consider purchasing a platform designed for analytic applications and gain a clearer oversight of supply chain management.
3. Establish workgroups to address supply chain opportunities- Consider developing four separate work groups that address four supply chain opportunities:
a. Decreasing variation in ordering supplies
b. Standardizing ordering new supplies
c. Improving and maintaining preference cards and related OR workflow
d. Overall materials management
Partner Events
Eastern Maine Emergency Preparedness Expo
The County Emergency Management Agencies of Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Washington are sponsoring the Eastern Maine Emergency Preparedness Expo on September 11th from 9:00AM to 3:00PM at the Cross Insurance Center Ballroom. Click here for full event details.
earth ex 21
EIS Council is hosting EARTH EX 21, an interactive all sector whole of world exercise. Available for play from September 1 – October 31. Click here to register.
We want to hear from you!
As we prepare for this upcoming year, it is very important that we hear from our members and partners on how we are doing, and what we can do better to best support you. We ask that you please complete this brief and confidential survey, no later than Monday, September 6th.
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!