COVID-19: A Letter from our CEO

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A Letter from CEO Connie Polke

The spread of COVID-19 virus throughout the United States has been causing increased stress for all Americans. CHUG understands the anxiety that healthcare workers are experiencing. Healthcare professionals are dealing with the urgency of the evolving situation, but also have the responsibility for the care of vulnerable populations who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. 

During these most trying times, I want to assure you that CHUG is actively engaging with our Local, State, and Federal partners in response to the outbreak. We are working with the healthcare community to provide information to better educate and prepare your healthcare workers and prevent vulnerable populations from getting sick.

We are actively working to provide you with the most timely and accurate information through our new CHUG website www.chugteam.org, emails, blogs, and other social platforms. Our CHUG Member only page is active for additional resources and information. 

The most accurate and timely information can be found at your state health department website, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

·      The CDC’s link for Healthcare Professionals: CDC link for Healthcare Professionals

·      The WHO’s link: World Healthcare Organization - WHO

·      The Illinois Department of Public Health: IDPH COVID-19

·      CHUG membership login: CHUG Membership Log-in Page 

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Shortage Concern

CHUG wants to provide support and guidance when your facility is in desperate need of PPE. We are appreciative of your dedication acting on behalf of the welfare of your patients and staff. You are helping to keep our healthcare infrastructure intact and safe.  

CHUG does not have the ability to supply our members with PPE. The guidance from the Departments of Public Health for obtaining PPE is the following:

1.     Contact your local public health department; if the local health department is unable to fulfill your request then…

2.     Contact the Regional Healthcare Coalition

a.     The link provides you with the Healthcare Coalitions points of contact: National Regional Healthcare Coalitions Contacts (many of our members fall into Region V)

b.     If you have multiple facilities they may fall under different coalitions, so you may need to contact several of the coalitions

3.      Complete the Incident Command System Form 213 RR for each of your facilities' PPE resource needs

a.     The link provides access to the ICS 213 RR: ICS Resource Request Document ICS 213 RR

Strategies for Optimizing PPE can be found on the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html

COVID-19 Hotlines (Illinois):

IL COVID-19 Hotline Numbers

Clinical and Public Health Guidance for Managing COVID-19:

Clinical and Public Health Guidance for Managing COVID-19 Interim Guidance (subject to change); March 18, 2020

For over 20 years, CHUG has been advocating emergency preparedness efforts through education, research, restoration and evacuation services for our healthcare members who service vulnerable populations.  As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, rest assured that CHUG is continuing to monitor the developments and keep you informed. In the situation of a public health emergency like the current pandemic, you can count on CHUG to collaborate with you and deliver information to keep our members, the staff, and the individuals you serve safe and healthy.

 

Best Regards,


Connie Polke, CEO

Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group

www.chugteam.org

 

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