Emergency Preparedness Events: 

Question: On the Public Health and Healthcare Systems Emergency Planners Ebola Update conference call, there was a discussion regarding reimbursement for expenses incurred for Ebola.  Reimbursement is for devoted time to Ebola.  Discussion was directed to hospitals and Departments of Health.  Is there is any reimbursement for FQHC's/health centers because a few of our health centers have devoted much time, money and effort towards ebola training? Should this reimbursement come from the State or does it have to come out of the HPP Funds provided to the PCA?

 https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/15271?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=3564 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I.  Ebola Preparedness Update

DHMH continues to collaborate closely with ASPR and CDC to assist Maryland hospitals and healthcare coalitions in preparing for potential Ebola virus disease (EVD) and similar threats. To access and download DHMH's weekly Ebola Virus Disease Situation Update, as well as additional information related to Ebola, log on to the Maryland Health Alert Network (HAN) website, click on the Documents tab, select the folder titled "Emerging Infectious Diseases", and select the "Ebola Virus" sub-folder.

Healthcare partners are strongly encouraged to monitor the CDC's Ebola website frequently for access the most up-to-date information:

DHMH Secretary's Directive and Order Regarding Ebola. (see attached)

On October 8, 2014, DHMH Secretary Joshua M. Sharfstein issued a special directive and order regarding the reporting of Ebola case information and measures to prevent potential spread of the disease. The order contains provisions that are applicable to healthcare facilities, healthcare providers, local health departments and law enforcement. To review the full text of the Secretary's Directive and Order,

Ebola Preparedness Assessment for Hospitals (survey).

DHMH, OP&R is currently developing an online Ebola preparedness survey that will be disseminated to Maryland healthcare facilities. The responses that our healthcare partners provide to this survey will allow DHMH to better understand and evaluate the capabilities of Maryland's healthcare system to respond to Ebola. Additional information and a link to complete the survey will be distributed via email in the coming days.

Checklists and Resources.

It is important for healthcare providers, facilities, and coalitions to remain vigilant and take steps to be as prepared as possible to protect our communities from all emerging infectious diseases, including Ebola. In support of these efforts, ASPR and CDC have released guidance to assist healthcare system partners with Ebola preparedness.

Checklist for Patients Being Evaluated for Ebola Virus Disease in the U.S. (hospitals): see attached

Detailed Hospital Checklist for Ebola Preparedness: provides practical and specific suggestions to ensure your hospital is able to detect possible EVD cases, protect employees, and respond appropriately.

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/ems-checklist-ebola-preparedness.pdf

II.  Preparedness News

Flu Season Begins: Time to Get Vaccinated!

September 28, 2014, marked the official beginning of the 2014-2015 influenza surveillance season for Maryland and for the rest of the United States. Though no influenza cases have been confirmed yet in Maryland, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) reminds all Maryland residents that now is the time to get vaccinated against the flu.

While it is expected that influenza activity will begin to increase in the coming weeks and months, it is important to remember that there are other respiratory viruses already circulating that might cause symptoms similar to those of influenza. "We know that Marylanders have been paying attention to respiratory viruses recently, including enterovirus D68," said DHMH Secretary Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein. "One respiratory virus that leads to hospitalizations and deaths every year in Maryland is influenza. Protect yourself and your family and friends by getting vaccinated."

Influenza activity typically starts to increase in October. Stay up-to-date on influenza activity in Maryland by visitinghttp://dhmh.maryland.gov/fluwatch for weekly updates. For more information about the seriousness of influenza and the benefits of vaccination, visit the following websites:

http://flu.maryland.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm

Coming Soon: New Emergency Department at UMSMC-Chestertown

On September 16, 2014, University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Community Open House to celebrate their new, $4.3 million Emergency Department. The renovation increased the size of the ED from roughly 4,500 square feet to nearly 8,000 square feet. Upgrades include an enclosed ambulance bay; a larger lobby and waiting room; a separate walk-in entrance that provides convenience for emergency patients and added security for the entire hospital; and private, specialized treatment rooms designated for behavioral health, pediatrics, trauma, and women's health.

The new ED will serve 15,000 patients a year. UMSMC-Chestertown hopes to move into the 8,000 sq. ft., 18-bed space by the end of September.

ATTENTION MD FQHCS 

Baltimore, MD  21201 

3. Please get in touch with your Regional Coordinators if you have not already done so and be more active in your Regional Coalition. You should already have their contacts in emails I have sent within this year numerous times. Please find them below: 

Regions I and II Health Care Coalition