As soon as he took office as President on January 20th, Joe Biden released his national strategy for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. His 200-page plan called for “laser focus” on getting vaccines to high-risk individuals, including those in Florida residential care facilities. Also highlighted in his plan was “targeted surge assistance” to help contain outbreaks in vulnerable communities, including assisted living facilities. If you have been looking at an ALF for sale in Tampa, there are some points in his plan that may be advantageous for you to hear. To learn more, visit ALF For Sale today.
Biden’s Plan For Getting Vaccines To Those In Residential Care Facilities
A key part of the new administration’s national strategy is accelerating the pace of vaccinations for high-risk individuals, more specifically, essential workers and people over the age of 65. Biden has emphasized “laser focus” on making sure these people have access to the vaccines needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. High-risk individuals should be prioritized because COVID-19 has a higher chance of being life-threatening to these people.
Part of this plan includes building on the CDC Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care (LTC) program, which partners senior living communities with both CVS and Walgreens pharmacies to ensure long-term care residents and staff all receive their vaccinations quickly and efficiently.
The American Seniors Housing Association’s (ASHA) Response
For the most part, the ASHA supports Biden’s efforts to expand the LTC Pharmacy Partnership to accelerate vaccine distribution. However, President David Schless has voiced a few concerns about the new national strategy.
One concern he has is that expanding eligibility to other workers and younger individuals, as well as releasing more supply, will threaten the supply available for these high-risk groups. He claims that the two-dose approach is dependent on “moving parts working together,” and that releasing more supply may stress the system and lead to the second dose not being widely available when it is needed.
While the ASHA is still encouraged by and in support of the new approach, Schless wants the administration to include all types of senior living in the LTC Pharmacy Partnership, including independent living.
Other Aspects Of The National Strategy
In addition to the above-mentioned plans, Biden has also signed several executive orders to fight against COVID-19. One of these calls on the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services to provide assisted living communities and other health care providers with “targeted surge assistance” to help communities that have been disproportionately affected. Overall, the new national strategy emphasizes a sweeping and transparent approach to fighting COVID, with a focus on vulnerable communities such as assisted living facilities.
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Residents, staff, and owners of residential care facilities in Florida should be encouraged and excited by the new national approach, which emphasizes widely-available vaccines and prioritizes high-risk individuals. If you are looking to find more information on what you can do as an owner or manager of an assisted living facility, contact ALF For Sale to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives.