We’re staying up-to-date to keep Community Health Centers informed.
As information about COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, continues to evolve, the National Association of Community Health Centers is regularly communicating with the Coronavirus Response Task Force of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are also collecting information from the field about best practices and note that due to their role in the health system Community Health Centers are ahead of the game and uniquely positioned to respond to public health challenges.
There is no need to panic, but certainly a need to prepare. We want to make sure health centers are educated and ready with the tools they need to implement clinical protocols in response to COVID-19, including collaborating with local public health departments, and community organizations if necessary.
To continue to assist health centers, NACHC in collaboration with the CDC is hosting a webinar Friday, March 6 from 1 PM – 2 PM ET. The webinar, Prepare Not Panic: COVID-19- CDC Update and the Health Center Response will focus on continuing to prepare an organized response to COVID-19 in partnership with federal, state authorities, local public health departments and community stakeholders. Learn more, access resources.
We’re continuing to advocate for long-term, stable funding for Community Health Centers.
NACHC continues to advocate for long-term, stable Community Health Center funding. Community Health Centers have consistently been on the frontlines to confront emerging public health threats. Operating under temporary funding measures makes it difficult to recruit and hire providers, and plan or expand services. Stability in funding is the most critical factor in health center support for facing public health threats like COVID-19. We’re counting on Congress to pass a five-year funding fix to allow Community Health Centers to plan, hire and train medical staff and expand services to meet any surge in demand.
We’re preparing for the Policy & Issues Forum.
We are aware there may be some concerns regarding travel for the Policy & Issues Forum. We are continuing to monitor the situation. As of now, the P&I is continuing as planned. However, we are increasing prevention efforts by following CDC protocols and also placing extra hand sanitizer stations throughout the conference. We will also be encouraging those who are sick to attend the P&I virtually. Make sure to stay tuned as we continue to update this information.
What do we need from you?
- Rely on information from public health experts only. There is a lot of misinformation about the novel coronavirus, some of which can be harmful. Only follow credible sources of information—this is especially important as we learn more about the virus and new guidance is shared.
- Practice standard public health protection methods to prevent transmission. Those practices are still the best protection. Hand-washing, avoiding excessive contact with your face, and safely practicing social distancing if you are feeling ill are still the best ways to prevent disease transmission.
- Register for the webinar Prepare Not Panic: COVID-19- CDC Update and the Health Center Response.
- Communicate with us. Let us know what you’re experiencing in the field and feel free to send us your concerns/questions to preparedness@nachc.org.
- Stand up, stand together. Use your voice to advocate for Community Health Center Funding.